The grammatical concepts for the basic sentence types in German and English are established and confirmed in various grammars. Each grammar differentiates between declarative, interrogative and imperative sentence. But when it comes to the classification of exclamative sentences different and partly excluding concepts can be found. Some grammarians regard exclamative sentences as an individual sentence type whereas others define exclamative sentences as a special case of one of the other three basic sentence types.
The purpose of this paper is to try to find an answer to the controversial question whether exclamative sentences are a basic sentence type. For this reason an analysis of German and English grammars and research papers dealing with the classification of exclamative sentences is necessary. The analysis will focus on the following questions and problems:
• Is there a sentence type “exclamative sentence”, which can be unambiguously characterised and identified?
• If so, can exclamative sentences be regarded as a basic sentence type alongside declarative, interrogative and imperative sentences?
• If not, what are exclamative sentences? Do they belong to the basic sentence types or are they a minor sentence type?
The analysis will proceed in the following fashion. First, I will analyse German grammars and papers regarding exclamative sentences, including their use and meaning. Second, I will continue the analysis with English grammars and papers. A summary after each part will restate the results of the analysis. Third, in a concluding section the results will be restated shortly. The gained information from the other sections will be used to answer the initial question whether there is an individual exclamative sentence type.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Exclamative sentences in German
- Exclamative sentences in German grammars
- DUDEN Grammatik
- Deutsche Grammatik
- Grammatik der deutschen Sprache
- Exclamative sentences in German papers
- Fries: 1st Pragmatik schwer! – über sogenannte 'Exklamativsätze' im Deutschen
- Näf: Gibt es Exklamativsätze?
- Summary
- Exclamative sentences in German grammars
- Exclamative sentences in English
- Exclamative sentences in English grammars
- A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language (CoGEL)
- The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (CGEL)
- The Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English (LG)
- Exclamative sentences in English papers
- Elliott: Toward a Grammar of Exclamations
- McCawley: Boy! Is syntax easy!
- Portner and Zanuttini: Exclamative Clauses at the Syntax-Semantics Interface
- Summary
- Exclamative sentences in English grammars
- Exclamative sentences in English and German
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
The objective of this paper is to investigate the controversial classification of exclamative sentences in German and English. It aims to determine whether exclamative sentences constitute a basic sentence type alongside declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences, or if they should be categorized differently. The analysis will involve a review of relevant grammars and research papers on the subject.
- The classification of exclamative sentences in German and English grammars.
- Analysis of different perspectives on exclamative sentences as a basic sentence type or a subcategory.
- Comparison of structural and functional characteristics of exclamative sentences across both languages.
- Examination of the syntactic structures used to express exclamations in German and English.
- Evaluation of the arguments for and against the independent status of exclamative sentences.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central research question: are exclamative sentences a basic sentence type in German and English? It highlights the inconsistency in grammatical classifications of exclamative sentences across various grammars, some recognizing them as a separate type while others consider them subcategories of other sentence types. The chapter outlines the methodology, which involves a comparative analysis of German and English grammars and relevant research papers, focusing on the structural and functional characteristics of exclamative sentences. The overall aim is to provide a comprehensive analysis leading to a conclusive answer to the central research question.
Exclamative sentences in German: This chapter delves into the treatment of exclamative sentences within German grammars and linguistic research. It notes the inconsistent classification of exclamative sentences among German grammars, with a majority not recognizing them as a fundamental sentence type. The chapter discusses the lack of a uniform structure for exclamative sentences in German, leading to the difficulty in their unambiguous identification and classification. The analysis highlights the varied approaches to defining and categorizing exclamative sentences in German, with some viewing them as a subtype of other sentence types while others consider them as having a specific function within existing types. The chapter prepares the groundwork for a comparative analysis with English exclamative sentences.
Exclamative sentences in English: This chapter mirrors the previous one but focuses on English. It examines the classification of exclamative sentences in prominent English grammars and linguistic studies. Similar to the German analysis, it reveals discrepancies in how exclamative sentences are categorized, with variations in their recognition as an independent sentence type or as a special function within other sentence types. The chapter highlights the different syntactic structures and functional aspects associated with English exclamative sentences, paving the way for the comparative analysis in the concluding chapter (which is not summarized here to avoid spoilers).
Keywords
Exclamative sentences, sentence typology, German grammar, English grammar, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, interjection, exclamation, comparative linguistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Exclamative Sentences in German and English
What is the main objective of this paper?
The paper's primary goal is to investigate the inconsistencies in classifying exclamative sentences within German and English linguistics. It aims to determine if exclamative sentences are a fundamental sentence type alongside declarative, interrogative, and imperative sentences, or if they should be categorized differently.
What sources were used in this analysis?
The analysis draws upon a range of German and English grammars and research papers. Specific grammars mentioned include Duden Grammatik, Deutsche Grammatik, Grammatik der deutschen Sprache, A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language (CoGEL), The Cambridge Grammar of the English Language (CGEL), and The Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English (LG). Key research papers include works by Fries, Näf, Elliott, McCawley, and Portner and Zanuttini, among others.
How are exclamative sentences classified in German grammars?
German grammars show inconsistent classification of exclamative sentences. Many do not recognize them as a fundamental sentence type. The lack of a uniform structure for exclamative sentences in German makes unambiguous identification and classification challenging. Different grammars offer varying approaches, often considering them subtypes of other sentence types or assigning them specific functions within existing types.
How are exclamative sentences classified in English grammars?
Similar to German, English grammars also demonstrate inconsistencies in classifying exclamative sentences. There is variation in whether they are recognized as an independent sentence type or a special function within other sentence types. The analysis highlights the different syntactic structures and functional aspects associated with English exclamative sentences.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the classification of exclamative sentences in German and English grammars, analyzing different perspectives on whether they are a basic sentence type or a subcategory. It compares their structural and functional characteristics across both languages, examines the syntactic structures used to express exclamations, and evaluates arguments for and against their independent status.
What is the methodology used in this research?
The methodology involves a comparative analysis of German and English grammars and relevant research papers. The focus is on the structural and functional characteristics of exclamative sentences, aiming for a comprehensive analysis to answer the central research question regarding their status as a basic sentence type.
What are the main conclusions (without spoilers)?
The detailed analysis of German and English grammars and relevant research reveals inconsistencies in the classification of exclamative sentences. The final chapter provides a comparative analysis and a conclusive answer to the central research question, although the specifics are not included here to avoid revealing the findings prematurely.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Exclamative sentences, sentence typology, German grammar, English grammar, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, interjection, exclamation, comparative linguistics.
- Quote paper
- Phyllis Wiechert (Author), 2004, Exclamative sentences - a basic sentence type? , Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/73182
