Abstract:

This paper attempts to trace the trajectory of research on “parts of speech” (λ?γου μ?ρη) from ancient Greek grammar to universal grammar, based as much as possible on Western original texts. After 250 years of successive efforts by three schools of thought, the Greek word classes have evolved from three divisions, four divisions, and five divisions to six divisions, ultimately forming a system of eight divisions. Although Greek word class templates were introduced, Latin word classes went through more than 300 years from four to eight. Afterwards, speculative grammar adopted an overall eight divisions. Universal grammar has nine divisions, five divisions (indicating the hierarchical relationship between nouns, adjectives, and verbs), four divisions, eight divisions (indicating the independence of adjectives), and so on. The results of literature review and sorting indicate that meaning or signifying is the cognitive essence of word classes, while form and function are all recognition methods based on analogy. We should maintain an open attitude towards the classification of word classes, as different systems can coexist. The division of word classes and the analysis of sentence components can coexist without excluding relative mapping. The coordination methods between word classes and sentence components are diverse.

Key words: parts of speech, Greek grammar, Latin grammar, speculative grammar, universal grammar