A PARADIGM CHANGE: FREW TRADITIONAL GRAMMAR TO MODERN LINGUISTIC TIEORY

Abstract

By employing a method for comparing and assessing linguistic frameworks, this dissertation will demonstrate that the study of New Testament Greek requires a paradigm change from the limitations of traditional grammar to the more comprehensive approach and methodological clarity of the most recent research into language consistent with modern linguistic theory. This point is argued based on the method developed in chapter 3 that compares, contrasts, and assesses linguistic frameworks. Christopher S. Butler's Structure and Function laid much of the foundation within modern linguistic theory for the kind of work that this dissertation seeks to do. The purpose of this method is to determine which approach is more comprehensive and methodologically clearer on the basis of the questions contained therein. The questions themselves are intended to be exploratory' of both approaches and framed to highlight responses from both approaches as possible. The focus of the method considers each approach as a whole, from specific examples within grammar and exegesis. The overall conclusion that will be made is that traditional grammar is limited in comparison to the more comprehensive approach and methodological clarity consistent with the most recent research into language from modern linguistic theory. Neither of these approaches is perfect—or claims to be—and the analysis presented in the pages that follow in no way intends to communicate that. Nevertheless, this dissertation hopes to encourage traditional scholars to move beyond traditional grammar to utilize modern linguistic theory. Chapter 2 seeks to demonstrate that the limitations of traditional syntax grammars for NT Greek require the adoption of a new approach. Modern linguistic theory provides a way forward in language study that traditional grammar cannot. Thus, this paradigm change will allow for further research within the larger theological enterprise. This dissertation concludes with a chapter considering how one could apply modem linguistic theory to make progress on a number of fronts within biblical and theological studies. These two approaches are so different that they are incommensurable. They are as distinct as differing worldviews. But the widespread adoption of the approach of modern linguistics by more scholars within the larger theological enterprise would supply countless contributions to its scholarship.