Transformational Generative Grammar

1. Introduction:

Transformational Generative Grammar (TGG) is a theory of language proposed by the linguist Noam Chomsky in the 1950s. This theory brought a major change in linguistic studies by shifting attention from the surface forms of language to the mental processes involved in language

production and understanding.

The word “generative” means that language has the power to produce an infinite number of sentences using a limited number of rules and words. The word “transformational” means that sentences are formed through a process of transformation. First, basic structures are formed in the mind, and then rules transform them into different sentence forms such as questions, negatives, passives, and complex sentences.

Chomsky argued that language is not learned only through imitation and habit, but through an inborn mental ability. Human beings are born with an innate capacity to acquire language. Therefore, language is seen as a rule-governed mental system.

2 Competence and Performance

Linguistic Competence refers to the speaker’s internal knowledge of language. It is the unconscious knowledge of grammar rules present in the mind. It includes knowledge of sentence structure, word order, and meanings.
Linguistic Performance refers to the actual use of language in real situations such as speaking and writing. Performance can be affected by memory, tiredness, emotions, and nervousness.

Thus, competence means knowledge of language, while performance means use of language.

3 Core Concepts of Transformational Generative Grammar

Deep and Surface Structure:
Deep structure is the underlying mental representation of a sentence. It shows the basic meaning and grammatical relations.
Surface structure is the actual spoken or written form of the sentence.

Example:
The boy ate the apple.
The apple was eaten by the boy.

4. Kernel and Non-Kernel Sentences:
Kernel sentences are basic, simple, active, affirmative sentences formed directly by grammar rules.
Examples: She writes a letter. The boy eats food.

Non-kernel sentences are derived sentences formed through transformations.
Examples: A letter is written by her. Does she write a letter?

5. Transformational Rules:
Transformational rules convert kernel sentences into non-kernel sentences.
Examples:
Active → Passive: She wrote a letter → A letter was written by her.
Statement → Question: He is coming → Is he coming?
Affirmative → Negative: She likes tea → She does not like tea.