Flexible Syntax

A Theory of Case and Arguments
1999
ISBN: 978-0-7923-6058-2
Verlag: Springer Netherlands

Buch, Englisch, Band 47, 253 Seiten, Format (B × H): 160 mm x 241 mm, Gewicht: 1230 g

Reihe: Studies in Natural Language and Linguistic Theory

Most linguistic theories assume that each grammatical relation is established in a unique structural configuration. Neeleman and Weerman take issue with this view, arguing for a more flexible approach on the basis of conceptual considerations and data taken mostly, but not exclusively, from the Germanic languages. In-depth analyses of word order phenomena as well as diachronic and typological generalizations motivate a re-evaluation of the role of case in the projection of arguments. Case is shown to provide a syntactic foothold for thematic interpretation, something which is necessary in a grammar that does not allow fixed theta-positions. Thus, this study does not only offer a genuine alternative to many standard assumptions, it also explains why there should be such a thing as case in natural language.

Zielgruppe

Research

Autoren/Hrsg.

Neeleman, Ad

Neeleman, A.

Weerman, Fred

Weerman, F.

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Philosophie Sprachphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Sprachwissenschaften Sprachphilosophie
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Grammatik, Syntax, Morphologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1: Prologue.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Case Theory.- 3. ?-Theory.- 4. Word Order.- 5. Overview.- Bibliographical Note.- 2: The OV/VO Parameter.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Domain of ?-role Assignment.- 3. The Domains of Head Government.- 4. The Formation of VP Shells.- 5. Particles.- 6. Scrambling.- 7. Double Object Constructions.- 8. Exceptional Case Marking.- 9. Concluding Remarks.- 3: Morphological Case.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Asymmetries between Nominative and Case.- 3. Syntactic Effects of Morphological Case.- 4. Toward a Theory of Case Features.- 5. Concluding Remarks.- 4: Prepositional Complements.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Problem.- 3. Indirect ?-Role Assignment.- 4. LF Incorporation.- 5. Empirical Consequences.- 6. PP Complements to Nouns.- 7. Concluding Remarks.- 5: Raising to Subject.- 1. Introduction.- 2. ?-Role Promotion as A’-Movement.- 3. NP Raising as Null Operator Movement.- 4. Short versus Long Null Operator Movement.- 5. Improper Movement.- 6. Concluding Remarks.- 6: Head Marking.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Head-Marking Affixes.- 3. Absolutive-Ergative Languages.- 4. VSO Languages.- 5. The Linearization of Subjects.- 6. Concluding Remarks.- 7: Epilogue.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Falsifiability.- 3. Flexibility.- References.