Abstract
ABSTRACT: In 1801, Johann Severin Vater published «Versuch einer allgemeinen Sprachlehre» («An Essay of a General Grammar») and in 1805, Lehrbuch der allgemeinen Grammatik («A Manual of General Grammar»). Both titles include the qualitative adjective «general» by which Vater explicitly refers to the tradition of general grammars, initiated by Port-Royal. Moreover, Vater underlines several times in both texts the «general» nature of his analysis. Today however, both grammars are often described as entirely or at least partially historical and comparative works. This article deals with the principles of Vater’s analysis, his conception of general grammar and its application to linguistic facts. It seems possible to show, in accordance with the conviction of their author, that the two grammars actually fit in the tradition of general grammars and that «An Essay of a General Grammar» in particular represents a remarkable example of it.
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