Linguistic research methods

TRANSFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS

It was proposed by the adherents of the structural method N. Chomsky and Z. Harris. At first, transformational analysis was applied in syntax.  When using this method, the fact under study is replaced by the "marked" variant, expressed in a form that has a close meaning. The alternative is sensible, acceptable in terms of communication requirements. In this case, it is necessary to ensure the standard of replacements.
For example, the phrase "reading Dostoevsky" presupposes two transformations: "Dostoevsky is reading" and "Dostoevsky is being read". The situation is similar with the combination of "meeting friends". It can be transformed into "friends meet" and "friends meet".
The transformational method is based on the rules of transformation and redistribution of language elements. It is believed that the technique is associated with two principles: the formation of deep structures and their transformation into superficial ones.

METHOD OF OPPOSITIONS

In the modern interpretation, this technique was developed by adherents of the Prague School of Linguistics. It was first applied to phonology and later to morphology. The basis for the emergence of ideas about morphological oppositions was the work of N. S. Trubetskoy.
The representatives of the Prague school considered the morpheme to be the unit of language at the level of morphology. It qualifies as a collection of elementary oppositions (number, type, case, person, etc.). With different oppositions, the morpheme is divided into "semes" - elementary meanings. For example, the form of the verb "run" contains this number, which is revealed in the opposite of "run" - "runs", this person - "run" - "run", now - "run-run" / "will run" and so Further.
As well as phonological, morphological oppositions can be neutralized. For example, in Russian, inanimate nouns do not differ in the accusative and nominative cases.