Evolution of the theory of case grammar : concepts and applications.

Abstract

Charles Fillmore has proposed the theory of case grammar as a substantive modification to the Revised Standard Theory of transformational-generative grammar. There is, however, much debate in the literature concerning both the viability and the form of the theory. This work traces the evolution of the theory of case grammar over a sixteen-year period from the 1968 publication of "The Case for Case" to the literature published through 1984 and proposes some theoretical applications of the theory to the teaching of composition.

Chapter one presents relevant aspects of the development of grammatical theory preceding case grammar, specifically, traditional Latinate and transformational-generative grammars. Chapter two serves as an introduction to the theory of case grammar by discussing the works of early proponents of the theory, especially Fillmore's "Case for Case.".

Chapter three discusses the works of later proponents of case grammar, emphasizing those which focus on the semantic specification of deep case features. The author's own postulations concerning the nature of deep case relations are also presented.

Chapter four delineates aspects of the theory which need further exploration, including the relationship of the theory of case grammar to the Revised Standard Theory of transformational-generative grammar. Chapter five discusses the relationship of Ray S. Jackendoff's Extended Lexical Hypothesis and his Uniform Three-Level Hypothesis to the theory of case grammar.

Chapter six demonstrates applications of the theory of case grammar to the teaching of composition. Case grammar is shown to be useful in developing and reinforcing critical thinking skills and in demonstrating the nature of support in formal written discourse. In addition, case grammar is shown to have the potential for contributing significantly to the development of a generative theory of rhetoric.