ISBN: 9780262182522

Every sentence we hear is instantly analyzed by an inner grammar; just as a prism refracts a beam of light, grammar divides a stream of sound, linking diverse strings of information to di… Plus…

Every sentence we hear is instantly analyzed by an inner grammar; just as a prism refracts a beam of light, grammar divides a stream of sound, linking diverse strings of information to different domains of mind--memory, vision, emotions, intentions. In "The Prism of Grammar," Tom Roeper brings the abstract principles behind modern grammar to life by exploring the astonishing intricacies of child language. Adult expressions provide endless puzzles for the child to solve. The individual child's solutions ("Don't uncomfortable the cat" is one example) may amuse adults but they also reveal the complexity of language and the challenges of mastering it. The tiniest utterances, says Roeper, reflect the whole mind and engage the child's free will and sense of dignity. He offers numerous and novel "explorations"--many at the cutting edge of current work--that anyone can try, even in conversation around the dinner table. They elicit how the child confronts "recursion"--the heartbeat of grammar--through endless possessives ("John's mother's friend's car"), mysterious plurals, contradictory adjectives, the marvels of ellipsis, and the deep obscurity of reference (""there" it is, right "here""). They are not tests of skill; they are tools for discovery and delight, not diagnosis. Each chapter on acquisition begins with a commonsense look at how structures work--moving from the simple to the complex--and then turns to the literary and human dimensions of grammar. One important human dimension is the role of dialect in society and in the lives of children. Roeper devotes three chapters to the structure of African-American English and the challenge of responding to linguistic prejudice. Written in a lively style, accessible and gently provocative, "The Prism of Grammar" is for parents and teachers as well as students--for everyone who wants to understand how children gain and use language--and anyone interested in the social, philosophical, and ethical implications of how we see the growing mind emerge. Media >, [PU: MIT Press]<

2007, ISBN: 9780262182522

Bradford Books, 2007. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust Jacket in goo… Plus…

Bradford Books, 2007. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust Jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,900grams, ISBN:9780262182522, Bradford Books, 2007, 0<

2007, ISBN: 9780262182522

MIT Press, 2007. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please… Plus…

MIT Press, 2007. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,850grams, ISBN:9780262182522, MIT Press, 2007, 0<

ISBN: 9780262182522

UsedVeryGood. The book has been read but still in great condition, pages and the cover are intact - The book has very few or no highlight/notes/underlined pages - Safe and Secure Mailer … Plus…

UsedVeryGood. The book has been read but still in great condition, pages and the cover are intact - The book has very few or no highlight/notes/underlined pages - Safe and Secure Mailer - No Hassle Return - Used books may not include supplementary material., 0<

2007, ISBN: 9780262182522

MIT Press, 2007. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. With usual stamps and markings, In fair condition, s… Plus…

MIT Press, 2007. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. With usual stamps and markings, In fair condition, suitable as a study copy., MIT Press, 2007, 0<