This book argues that the assumption that grammatical relations are both necessary and universal is an unwarranted generalization. The grammatical relations of subject and object are required in the case of the Indian language of Kannada. Furthermore, the notion of transitivity or transference which forms the basis for postulating grammatical relations does not play the expected central role in all languages: in the case of another Indian language, Manipuri, it is volitionality and transitivity which plays the central role in clause structure. Dr. Bhat argues against the universality and necessity of grammatical relations; his provocative hypothesis will be a challenge to all those concerned with the nature of language.

Grammatical relations and the closely related notion of transitivity are central to almost all models of linguistic theory. If languages are discovered in which neither of these play such a role, it will be necessary to reconsider some of the most basic assumptions of these theories. This book examines in detail the grammars of two different Indian languages, Kannada and Manipuri, and shows that grammatical relations are neither necessary nor universal. The importance of grammatical relations in linguistic theory makes this hypothesis of interest to all linguistic theorists. Many theorists will find their approach addressed, as Professor Bhat has examined grammatical relations from the point of view of several linguistic theories. In addition, logicians and philosophers should be interested in a re-interpretation of the concept of a "subject", and scholars working on Indian languages may find valuable the new examinations of the two languages which form the core of this study. This book should be of interest to advanced students and teachers of theoretical linguistics and philosophy of language.