A course book from the Reform Era – Ágoston Imre Széchy: "Elementary Hungarian grammar practically presented", 1840

Abstract

This paper is a review of a 19th century grammar book, indicated in the title. After presenting the biography of the author and outlining the motivating factors for the writing of the book, the paper gives a detailed description of the structure, methodology and innovations of this unique grammar book. It is argued that with its novel solutions (theoretical basis in linguistic logic, indirect method, the central role of the verb, well-planned and practical structuring), Széchy’s "Elementary Hungarian" stands out from among other grammars written in the 1840s.