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.
