Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English

Introduction to 'Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English'

The 'Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English' is a comprehensive and influential work that offers an in-depth analysis of the structure and usage of English in both spoken and written contexts. Written by Douglas Biber, Stig Johansson, Geoffrey Leech, Susan Conrad, and Edward Finegan, this book provides an unprecedented look into the intricacies of modern English, backed by large-scale empirical data analysis.

Detailed Summary of the Book

The Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English is an essential resource for linguists, researchers, and educators who wish to understand the subtleties of English grammar. Utilizing the Longman Spoken and Written English Corpus (LSWE), one of the largest databases of English usage, the authors examine the differences and similarities between spoken and written English. The work encompasses a wide range of grammatical topics, including the frequency of structures, function, and distribution across registers—conversations, fiction, newspapers, and academic writing.

The book is divided into sections that methodically explore different linguistic features, with a strong emphasis on empirical data. Each chapter delves into different components of English grammar, highlighting variations in usage depending on the context. The authors analyze core grammatical phenomena such as noun phrases, verb phrases, and clause structure. Furthermore, they explore how these grammatical constructs manifest differently in speech and writing, offering readers a richer understanding of English grammar's dynamic nature.

Key Takeaways

• The distinction between spoken and written English is significant, with distinct grammatical features unique to each medium.
• Empirical data from linguistic corpora provide a powerful means to study language use and inform grammar descriptions.
• Understanding the distribution of grammatical features across various text types can significantly impact pedagogical practices and materials.
• Language is constantly evolving, and an analysis of present-day English offers valuable insights into its future directions.

Famous Quotes from the Book

"Language, in all its forms, is subject to continual change, more rapid than is often recognized."

"The ultimate aim of this grammar is to provide a description of English that is empirically based, comprehensive, and context-sensitive."

Why This Book Matters

This book holds a pivotal place in the field of English language studies. Its detailed examination of language through the lens of corpus linguistics has paved the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of English grammar's complexity and flexibility. The insights it provides into the differences between spoken and written English are crucial for educators, allowing them to tailor teaching methods to better reflect actual language use.

Furthermore, the 'Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English' has influenced subsequent linguistic research, serving as a benchmark for corpus-based language studies. It demonstrates the power and necessity of using actual usage data to inform grammatical theories, thus bridging the gap between descriptive and theoretical linguistics.

By highlighting the fluid nature of language, the book encourages a dynamic approach to language teaching and a greater recognition of informal language use in everyday communication. It underscores the importance of embracing both the spoken and written word as key components of a complete understanding of English.