Transformational grammar is an analytical approach to understanding the meaning behind words and sentence structure, going beyond structural grammar. It employs logic, syntax, and context to analyze language, and was developed by Noam Chomsky. It is used to convey multiple meanings and understand language in context.
Transformational grammar is an approach to using grammar in communications that involves a logical and analytical process to fully grasp the meaning behind selected words. In this perspective, it goes beyond the process of structural grammar, which tends to focus on correct sentence construction as a device for communication. Along with sentence structure, this type of grammar will also attempt to explore the thinking behind the words.
Sometimes referred to as TG, transformational grammar attempts to apply logic to the task of examining the deeper meanings of sentence structure and analyzing both the surface and the underlying intent of the words used. This means employing more than just a visual approach to the words that make up the sentence. Syntax also plays a role in the logical process of transformational grammar, as does context. To some extent, this type of grammar calls upon most of the tools of linguistics in an attempt to fully analyze the spoken or written word.
One of the leading proponents of the transformational grammar idea was Noam Chomsky. During the mid-20th century, Chomsky worked to develop a logical approach to analyzing the syntax of structural grammar within the English language. As a result of his efforts, Chomsky developed and promoted the concept of grammar as a broader theory on the structure of language, rather than simply defining a method for developing sentence structure. This approach had been inherent in the broader concepts of universal grammar for centuries. But thanks to Chomsky’s work, linguists and grammarians began to understand transformational grammar as a discipline in its own right.
People engage in the task of approaching grammar from a transformative approach every day. In some cases, it is a matter of employing grammar as a means of understanding a grouping of words within the environment or context, rather than focusing on the actual structure of the words. Other times, this type of grammar is used as a means of conveying more than one meaning. The double entendre can be thought of as a limited example of transformational grammar, as the device provides both a surface and a hidden conveyance of ideas.
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