stratificational grammar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowSpecialized academic, Technical linguistic discourse
Quick answer
What does “stratificational grammar” mean?
A specific linguistic theory/model that views language as a series of related layers or strata, where each stratum contains patterns of organization for a particular type of linguistic unit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific linguistic theory/model that views language as a series of related layers or strata, where each stratum contains patterns of organization for a particular type of linguistic unit.
A theory of grammar, most famously developed by Sydney Lamb, that posits language is structured as a network of relationships across distinct strata (e.g., phonemic, morphemic, lexemic, semantic), with realization rules connecting elements between adjacent layers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; term is used identically in global academic linguistics.
Connotations
Associated with a specific school of mid-20th century linguistic thought. May connote a formal, structuralist approach that is less mainstream than generative or cognitive grammars today.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to historical surveys of linguistic theory or specialized discussions of relational grammar.
Grammar
How to Use “stratificational grammar” in a Sentence
[Noun Phrase: The linguist] + [Verb: described/advocated] + [Noun Phrase: stratificational grammar].[Noun Phrase: Stratificational grammar] + [Verb: posits/views] + [Noun Phrase: language as a network].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stratificational grammar” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The stratificational approach fell out of favour.
- He presented a stratificational analysis of the clause.
American English
- A stratificational framework was proposed.
- The paper critiques stratificational assumptions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in linguistics departments, primarily in historical or theoretical courses discussing non-mainstream grammatical models.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Used precisely to refer to Lamb's specific theory and its descendants in linguistic literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stratificational grammar”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stratificational grammar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stratificational grammar”
- Using it as a general term for any complex grammar (e.g., 'English has a stratificational grammar').
- Spelling error: 'stratificationial' or 'stratificational'.
- Assuming it is a synonym for 'traditional grammar' or 'prescriptive grammar'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily of historical interest. While influential in the 1960s and 70s, it has been largely superseded by other theoretical frameworks like Generative Grammar, Cognitive Grammar, and various functional approaches.
It refers to the division of language structure into separate layers or 'strata', such as the phonemic, morphemic, lexemic, and semantic strata, each with its own organisational patterns.
Absolutely not. 'Stratificational grammar' is the name of a specific, highly technical linguistic theory. The grammar taught in schools is typically a descriptive or prescriptive account of a language's rules, not this theory.
A derivational model, like Transformational-Generative Grammar, where structures are derived from an initial abstract representation through a series of rule applications, rather than being related across simultaneous, discrete strata.
A specific linguistic theory/model that views language as a series of related layers or strata, where each stratum contains patterns of organization for a particular type of linguistic unit.
Stratificational grammar is usually specialized academic, technical linguistic discourse in register.
Stratificational grammar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌstræt.ɪ.fɪˌkeɪ.ʃən.əl ˈɡræm.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌstræt̬.ə.fəˈkeɪ.ʃən.əl ˈɡræm.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a layered cake (strata) where each layer has its own distinct pattern (grammar) – this is STRATIficational GRAMMAR.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A MULTI-LAYERED NETWORK.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary organisational principle of stratificational grammar?