The two basic approaches to linguistics are the formalist and the                  functionalist approaches. In this engaging monograph, Frederick J. Newmeyer, a                  formalist, argues that both approaches are valid. However, because formal and                  functional linguists have avoided direct confrontation, they remain unaware of the                  compatability of their results. One of the author's goals is to make each side                  accessible to the other. While remaining an ardent formalist, Newmeyer stresses the                  limitations of a narrow formalist outlook that refuses to consider that anything of                  interest might have been discovered in the course of functionalist-oriented                  research. He argues that the basic principles of generative grammar, in interaction                  with principles in other linguistic domains, provide compelling accounts of                  phenomena that functionalists have used to try to refute the generative                  approach.

Language Form and Language Function (Language, Speech, and Communication) PDF

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