The categorial approach to language linearity

International audienceOne difficulty met in using theorical approaches for formalizing natural languages is that the linearity of phonic sound matter is misleading, beacause it hides the non-linearity of many syntatical and semantic processes that contribute to the specific structuring of each language. It is well known that the actual idea of "transformation", characteristic of Chomsky's generative model, was meant to account for the linear discountinuity of certain syntactical patterns that required the use of rules of movement and erasin fot formalization. However, the categorial approach which in the twentieh century was the formal grammar trend best abel to compete the transformational model, opted - against Chomsky's choice - to construct a syntax in accordance with the linearitu of languages? This papers examines hox the categorial approach - while respecting linearization - succeeds in analyzing syntactical structures that transgress linearity by using processes such as embedding or interlacing