Bernd Heine and Tania Kuteva
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199297337
- eISBN:
- 9780191711220
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199297337.003.0003
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Sociolinguistics / Anthropological Linguistics
This chapter is devoted to one particular functional domain: that of definite and indefinite reference. Specifically, it concerns the system of articles found in European languages. Obligatory ...
More
This chapter is devoted to one particular functional domain: that of definite and indefinite reference. Specifically, it concerns the system of articles found in European languages. Obligatory markers for definite and indefinite reference are cross-linguistically not very common. In the languages of (western) Europe, however, they are a salient structural characteristic. This has not always been the case: two millennia ago there were essentially no real articles in the languages of Europe. The main goal of the chapter is to show how articles are spreading throughout Europe.Less
This chapter is devoted to one particular functional domain: that of definite and indefinite reference. Specifically, it concerns the system of articles found in European languages. Obligatory markers for definite and indefinite reference are cross-linguistically not very common. In the languages of (western) Europe, however, they are a salient structural characteristic. This has not always been the case: two millennia ago there were essentially no real articles in the languages of Europe. The main goal of the chapter is to show how articles are spreading throughout Europe.
Hagit Borer
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199263905
- eISBN:
- 9780191718182
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199263905.003.0006
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This chapter examines the definite article in English, analysing it as a range assigner not only to d, the node that heads DP, but also to #, the node that heads #P (Quantity Phrase, aka Number ...
More
This chapter examines the definite article in English, analysing it as a range assigner not only to d, the node that heads DP, but also to #, the node that heads #P (Quantity Phrase, aka Number Phrase). It also discusses range assignment by heads vs. range assignment by specifiers, together with the different structural predictions made by such assignment.Less
This chapter examines the definite article in English, analysing it as a range assigner not only to d, the node that heads DP, but also to #, the node that heads #P (Quantity Phrase, aka Number Phrase). It also discusses range assignment by heads vs. range assignment by specifiers, together with the different structural predictions made by such assignment.
Hagit Borer
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199263905
- eISBN:
- 9780191718182
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199263905.003.0007
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This chapter investigates the properties of the Modern Hebrew (henceforth Hebrew) singular in its different indefinite and definite instantiations. It is here that much of this variation is best ...
More
This chapter investigates the properties of the Modern Hebrew (henceforth Hebrew) singular in its different indefinite and definite instantiations. It is here that much of this variation is best illustrated. The investigation of the singular will further serve as a springboard to discussing the properties of Hebrew cardinal determiners in general, the status of specifier cardinals vs. head cardinals, and the interaction, in Hebrew, between the assignment of range to d and to #.Less
This chapter investigates the properties of the Modern Hebrew (henceforth Hebrew) singular in its different indefinite and definite instantiations. It is here that much of this variation is best illustrated. The investigation of the singular will further serve as a springboard to discussing the properties of Hebrew cardinal determiners in general, the status of specifier cardinals vs. head cardinals, and the interaction, in Hebrew, between the assignment of range to d and to #.
Hagit Borer
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199263905
- eISBN:
- 9780191718182
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199263905.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This book explores the difference between words however defined and structures however constructed. It sets out to demonstrate over three volumes — of which this is the first — that the explanation ...
More
This book explores the difference between words however defined and structures however constructed. It sets out to demonstrate over three volumes — of which this is the first — that the explanation of linguistic competence should be shifted from lexical entry to syntactic structure, from memory of words to manipulation of rules. Its reformulation of how grammar and lexicon interact has profound implications for linguistic, philosophical, and psychological theories about human mind and language. The book departs from both language specific constructional approaches and lexicalist approaches to argue that universal hierarchical structures determine interpretation, and that language variation emerges from the morphological and phonological properties of inflectional material. This volume applies this radical approach to nominal structure. Integrating research in syntax, semantics, and morphology, the volume argues that nominal structure is based on the syntactic realization of semantic notions such as classifier, quantity, and reference. In the process, this volume seeks to do away with lexical ambiguity and type-shifting. Among the topics the volume considers are the interpretation of proper names, the mass-count distinction, the weak-strong interpretation of quantifiers, partitive and measure phrases, and the structural representation of the definite article. In the process, the volume explores inter-language variation through the properties of the morpho-phonological system. The languages discussed include English, Chinese, Italian, and Hebrew.Less
This book explores the difference between words however defined and structures however constructed. It sets out to demonstrate over three volumes — of which this is the first — that the explanation of linguistic competence should be shifted from lexical entry to syntactic structure, from memory of words to manipulation of rules. Its reformulation of how grammar and lexicon interact has profound implications for linguistic, philosophical, and psychological theories about human mind and language. The book departs from both language specific constructional approaches and lexicalist approaches to argue that universal hierarchical structures determine interpretation, and that language variation emerges from the morphological and phonological properties of inflectional material. This volume applies this radical approach to nominal structure. Integrating research in syntax, semantics, and morphology, the volume argues that nominal structure is based on the syntactic realization of semantic notions such as classifier, quantity, and reference. In the process, this volume seeks to do away with lexical ambiguity and type-shifting. Among the topics the volume considers are the interpretation of proper names, the mass-count distinction, the weak-strong interpretation of quantifiers, partitive and measure phrases, and the structural representation of the definite article. In the process, the volume explores inter-language variation through the properties of the morpho-phonological system. The languages discussed include English, Chinese, Italian, and Hebrew.
David Langslow
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198153023
- eISBN:
- 9780191715211
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198153023.003.0065
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Prose and Writers: Classical, Early, and Medieval
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech, this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through ...
More
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech, this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through non-Indo-European as well as Indo-European languages. It sketches the age and source (the demonstrative pronoun) of the emergence of the definite article in Greek, Latin, and Germanic, and then discusses its main functions and (Lecture 15) some special uses, including in combination with numerals and with pronouns, and when it is used to make a Noun Phrase from (e.g.) a noun in the genitive, a prepositional phrase, or an adverb. Lecture 16 is devoted to the omission of the article in (e.g.) forms of address, names, poetry, proverbs, idioms, and under foreign influence; the lecture concludes with brief remarks on the indefinite article.Less
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech, this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through non-Indo-European as well as Indo-European languages. It sketches the age and source (the demonstrative pronoun) of the emergence of the definite article in Greek, Latin, and Germanic, and then discusses its main functions and (Lecture 15) some special uses, including in combination with numerals and with pronouns, and when it is used to make a Noun Phrase from (e.g.) a noun in the genitive, a prepositional phrase, or an adverb. Lecture 16 is devoted to the omission of the article in (e.g.) forms of address, names, poetry, proverbs, idioms, and under foreign influence; the lecture concludes with brief remarks on the indefinite article.
David Langslow
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198153023
- eISBN:
- 9780191715211
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198153023.003.0067
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Prose and Writers: Classical, Early, and Medieval
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech, this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through ...
More
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech, this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through non-Indo-European as well as Indo-European languages. It sketches the age and source (the demonstrative pronoun) of the emergence of the definite article in Greek,Latin, and Germanic, and then discusses its main functions and (Lecture 15) some special uses, including in combination with numerals and with pronouns, and when it is used to make a Noun Phrase from (e.g.) a noun in the genitive, a prepositional phrase, or an adverb. Lecture 16 is devoted to the omission of the article in (e.g.) forms of address, names, poetry, proverbs, idioms, and under foreign influence; the lecture concludes with brief remarks on the indefinite article.Less
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech, this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through non-Indo-European as well as Indo-European languages. It sketches the age and source (the demonstrative pronoun) of the emergence of the definite article in Greek,Latin, and Germanic, and then discusses its main functions and (Lecture 15) some special uses, including in combination with numerals and with pronouns, and when it is used to make a Noun Phrase from (e.g.) a noun in the genitive, a prepositional phrase, or an adverb. Lecture 16 is devoted to the omission of the article in (e.g.) forms of address, names, poetry, proverbs, idioms, and under foreign influence; the lecture concludes with brief remarks on the indefinite article.
Akira Watanabe
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199560547
- eISBN:
- 9780191721267
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199560547.003.0021
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology, Historical Linguistics
This chapter proposes that the shift in the classification of a certain set of features located in the D head is responsible for the loss of the indeterminate system, the changes in the ...
More
This chapter proposes that the shift in the classification of a certain set of features located in the D head is responsible for the loss of the indeterminate system, the changes in the relativization strategies, the loss of the weak‐strong distinction in the adjectival inflection, and the appearance of the definite article during the Early Middle English period.Less
This chapter proposes that the shift in the classification of a certain set of features located in the D head is responsible for the loss of the indeterminate system, the changes in the relativization strategies, the loss of the weak‐strong distinction in the adjectival inflection, and the appearance of the definite article during the Early Middle English period.
David Langslow
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198153023
- eISBN:
- 9780191715211
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198153023.003.0066
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Prose and Writers: Classical, Early, and Medieval
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech,this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through ...
More
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech,this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through non-Indo-European as well as Indo-European languages. It sketches the age and source (the demonstrative pronoun) of the emergence of the definite article in Greek, Latin, and Germanic, and then discusses its main functions and (Lecture 15) some special uses, including in combination with numerals and with pronouns, and when it is used to make a Noun Phrase from (e.g.) a noun in the genitive, a prepositional phrase, or an adverb. Lecture 16 is devoted to the omission of the article in (e.g.) forms of address, names, poetry, proverbs, idioms, and under foreign influence; the lecture concludes with brief remarks on the indefinite article.Less
After the usual introduction to the terminology and early theory of the article among the parts of speech,this chapter gives a survey of the distribution of the definite article through non-Indo-European as well as Indo-European languages. It sketches the age and source (the demonstrative pronoun) of the emergence of the definite article in Greek, Latin, and Germanic, and then discusses its main functions and (Lecture 15) some special uses, including in combination with numerals and with pronouns, and when it is used to make a Noun Phrase from (e.g.) a noun in the genitive, a prepositional phrase, or an adverb. Lecture 16 is devoted to the omission of the article in (e.g.) forms of address, names, poetry, proverbs, idioms, and under foreign influence; the lecture concludes with brief remarks on the indefinite article.
Cristina Guardiano
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199582624
- eISBN:
- 9780191731068
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199582624.003.0009
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Historical Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
This chapter accounts for two changes that distinguish Modern Greek from Ancient (Classical and New Testament) Greek: the requirement in Modern Greek that proper names occur with a definite article, ...
More
This chapter accounts for two changes that distinguish Modern Greek from Ancient (Classical and New Testament) Greek: the requirement in Modern Greek that proper names occur with a definite article, and the rise of an indefinite article. It argues that these two changes are related. In Ancient Greek, nominal expressions could receive a singular count interpretation with a null expletive D head. The rise of overt indefinite articles indicates that the feature count had come to be grammaticalized (that is, required spellout). Once this requirement was in place, a null expletive in D became generally unavailable, requiring that the overt determiner in D select a proper name.Less
This chapter accounts for two changes that distinguish Modern Greek from Ancient (Classical and New Testament) Greek: the requirement in Modern Greek that proper names occur with a definite article, and the rise of an indefinite article. It argues that these two changes are related. In Ancient Greek, nominal expressions could receive a singular count interpretation with a null expletive D head. The rise of overt indefinite articles indicates that the feature count had come to be grammaticalized (that is, required spellout). Once this requirement was in place, a null expletive in D became generally unavailable, requiring that the overt determiner in D select a proper name.
PAUL BOUCHER
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199272129
- eISBN:
- 9780191709821
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199272129.003.0007
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
This chapter addresses the question of the emergence and evolution of the definite article in French. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 7.2 examines the problem of bare NPs and bare ...
More
This chapter addresses the question of the emergence and evolution of the definite article in French. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 7.2 examines the problem of bare NPs and bare (pronominal) determiners (BD) in Romance and Germanic and discusses the Restricted Quantification Condition, as well as the representation of morphological complexity developed in Kerstens (1993). Section 7.3 looks at data on NPs in Old French between the 9th and 14th centuries. Section 7.4 returns to the reanalysis of D-words in OF and to the problem of case projections in Romance and Germanic.Less
This chapter addresses the question of the emergence and evolution of the definite article in French. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 7.2 examines the problem of bare NPs and bare (pronominal) determiners (BD) in Romance and Germanic and discusses the Restricted Quantification Condition, as well as the representation of morphological complexity developed in Kerstens (1993). Section 7.3 looks at data on NPs in Old French between the 9th and 14th centuries. Section 7.4 returns to the reanalysis of D-words in OF and to the problem of case projections in Romance and Germanic.
Ronald K. S. Macaulay
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195173819
- eISBN:
- 9780199788361
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195173819.003.0011
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Sociolinguistics / Anthropological Linguistics
There are no social class differences in the use of the definite and indefinite articles, but they are used significantly more frequently by males. The articles are used much less frequently by the ...
More
There are no social class differences in the use of the definite and indefinite articles, but they are used significantly more frequently by males. The articles are used much less frequently by the adolescents. The adolescents, however, use personal pronouns significantly more often than the adults. Females use pronouns much more frequently than males, particularly the pronoun she. The middle-class speakers use WH-relative pronouns much more frequently than the working-class speakers. Females also have a much higher frequency of reference to named persons, while males are more likely to name places.Less
There are no social class differences in the use of the definite and indefinite articles, but they are used significantly more frequently by males. The articles are used much less frequently by the adolescents. The adolescents, however, use personal pronouns significantly more often than the adults. Females use pronouns much more frequently than males, particularly the pronoun she. The middle-class speakers use WH-relative pronouns much more frequently than the working-class speakers. Females also have a much higher frequency of reference to named persons, while males are more likely to name places.
Alexandru Nicolae
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- July 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198807360
- eISBN:
- 9780191844980
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198807360.003.0004
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Historical Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
This chapter examines the main changes in the syntax of Romanian nominal phrases as they are reflected in the ordering of DP-internal constituents. The first part of the chapter focuses on the ‘low ...
More
This chapter examines the main changes in the syntax of Romanian nominal phrases as they are reflected in the ordering of DP-internal constituents. The first part of the chapter focuses on the ‘low definite article’, i.e. structures in which the noun bearing the definite article occupies a non-DP-initial position. The low definite article is relevant to the emergence of the Romanian article (its suffixal nature singles out Romanian in Romance) on the one hand and to the understanding of the freer DP-internal word order characteristic of old Romanian on the other hand. The changes in the position of adjectives relative to the head noun and in the linearization of adjectives with respect to one another are then addressed. Finally, residual head-final structures in the nominal and adjectival domain and discontinuous constituents are analysed.Less
This chapter examines the main changes in the syntax of Romanian nominal phrases as they are reflected in the ordering of DP-internal constituents. The first part of the chapter focuses on the ‘low definite article’, i.e. structures in which the noun bearing the definite article occupies a non-DP-initial position. The low definite article is relevant to the emergence of the Romanian article (its suffixal nature singles out Romanian in Romance) on the one hand and to the understanding of the freer DP-internal word order characteristic of old Romanian on the other hand. The changes in the position of adjectives relative to the head noun and in the linearization of adjectives with respect to one another are then addressed. Finally, residual head-final structures in the nominal and adjectival domain and discontinuous constituents are analysed.
Werner Abraham
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199746736
- eISBN:
- 9780199949519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199746736.003.0022
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
This chapter deals with the diachronic development of the post-nominal definite article in Icelandic and relates the change inside the nominal structure to other changes in the information structure ...
More
This chapter deals with the diachronic development of the post-nominal definite article in Icelandic and relates the change inside the nominal structure to other changes in the information structure of the clause. It therefore addresses two crucial aspects related to the nature of functional heads: how functional heads in the nominal expression are related to functional heads in the clause, and how grammaticalization in one domain can influence other domains.Less
This chapter deals with the diachronic development of the post-nominal definite article in Icelandic and relates the change inside the nominal structure to other changes in the information structure of the clause. It therefore addresses two crucial aspects related to the nature of functional heads: how functional heads in the nominal expression are related to functional heads in the clause, and how grammaticalization in one domain can influence other domains.
Matthew V. Novenson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199844579
- eISBN:
- 9780199933075
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199844579.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Early Christian Studies
This chapter treats ten set phrases that have been taken as evidence that Paul either did or did not use “Christ” according to its conventional sense. These phrases are: the double forms “Jesus ...
More
This chapter treats ten set phrases that have been taken as evidence that Paul either did or did not use “Christ” according to its conventional sense. These phrases are: the double forms “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus,” use as an appellative, use as a predicate nominative, genitive modifiers, the presence or absence of the definite article, use as the subject of a sentence, use of “Jesus” or “Christ” or “Lord” in different contexts, and the phrases “in Christ,” “people of Christ,” and “faith of Christ” (pistis christou). The chapter concludes, contrary to much previous research, that none of these set phrases proves either that “Christ” in Paul means “messiah” or that it does not. That question cannot be settled at the level of formal grammar but only at the level of discourse.Less
This chapter treats ten set phrases that have been taken as evidence that Paul either did or did not use “Christ” according to its conventional sense. These phrases are: the double forms “Jesus Christ” and “Christ Jesus,” use as an appellative, use as a predicate nominative, genitive modifiers, the presence or absence of the definite article, use as the subject of a sentence, use of “Jesus” or “Christ” or “Lord” in different contexts, and the phrases “in Christ,” “people of Christ,” and “faith of Christ” (pistis christou). The chapter concludes, contrary to much previous research, that none of these set phrases proves either that “Christ” in Paul means “messiah” or that it does not. That question cannot be settled at the level of formal grammar but only at the level of discourse.
Richard S. Kayne
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262062787
- eISBN:
- 9780262273152
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262062787.003.0013
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Theoretical Linguistics
This chapter examines parametric variation within the nominal domain and shows that crosslinguistic variation across a variety of nominal constructions can be linked to a single parameter: the ...
More
This chapter examines parametric variation within the nominal domain and shows that crosslinguistic variation across a variety of nominal constructions can be linked to a single parameter: the presence versus absence of an overt determiner in French versus Italian. Drawing on the determiner phrase hypothesis and remnant movement, it compares three structures in French and Italian: superlatives, which-phrases with a silent noun, and mass nouns/partitives. It illustrates how Romance bare plurals arguably contain a definite article of the sort seen overtly in French partitives. It also discusses interrogatives and English possessors.Less
This chapter examines parametric variation within the nominal domain and shows that crosslinguistic variation across a variety of nominal constructions can be linked to a single parameter: the presence versus absence of an overt determiner in French versus Italian. Drawing on the determiner phrase hypothesis and remnant movement, it compares three structures in French and Italian: superlatives, which-phrases with a silent noun, and mass nouns/partitives. It illustrates how Romance bare plurals arguably contain a definite article of the sort seen overtly in French partitives. It also discusses interrogatives and English possessors.
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781846311314
- eISBN:
- 9781781380680
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/UPO9781846315596.006
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Cultural Studies
In Manx, the definite article has three forms yn, ny and nyn: yn is the normal singular form; ny is the plural and the form used for the feminine genitive singular (f gen sg); and nyn is an archaic ...
More
In Manx, the definite article has three forms yn, ny and nyn: yn is the normal singular form; ny is the plural and the form used for the feminine genitive singular (f gen sg); and nyn is an archaic form sometimes found in place names. Manx has no indefinite article. This chapter discusses the singular definite article; feminine genitive singular ny; plural definite article ny; mutation after the article; uses of the definite article; the article expressing ‘of’ or possession; and the article with collective nouns.Less
In Manx, the definite article has three forms yn, ny and nyn: yn is the normal singular form; ny is the plural and the form used for the feminine genitive singular (f gen sg); and nyn is an archaic form sometimes found in place names. Manx has no indefinite article. This chapter discusses the singular definite article; feminine genitive singular ny; plural definite article ny; mutation after the article; uses of the definite article; the article expressing ‘of’ or possession; and the article with collective nouns.
Steve Hart
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9789888390755
- eISBN:
- 9789888390465
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789888390755.003.0002
- Subject:
- Linguistics, English Language
This chapter presents the different types of article occurring in English and introduces the concept of definiteness to understand which article should be used for which situation. The chapter ...
More
This chapter presents the different types of article occurring in English and introduces the concept of definiteness to understand which article should be used for which situation. The chapter reveals the most common mistakes and how they can be rectified. It also explores the relationship between articles and generic reference and explains what fixed phrases are.Less
This chapter presents the different types of article occurring in English and introduces the concept of definiteness to understand which article should be used for which situation. The chapter reveals the most common mistakes and how they can be rectified. It also explores the relationship between articles and generic reference and explains what fixed phrases are.
Paul K. Moser
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195081091
- eISBN:
- 9780199852994
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195081091.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This chapter examines relativism about reasons and relativism about concepts of reasons and truth. Purposive normative reasons, according to this chapter, are noteworthy. It explains how purposive ...
More
This chapter examines relativism about reasons and relativism about concepts of reasons and truth. Purposive normative reasons, according to this chapter, are noteworthy. It explains how purposive normative reasons can contribute to solving a problem of normative relevance, the problem that non-motivating, purpose-independent normative, “reasons” and “requirements” seem too easy to come by. Purpose-independent “reasons” and “requirements” evidently can be introduced ad arbitrium. This chapter also looks at the internalist–externalist debate with conceptual instrumentalism: the view that one's aims, or purposes, in adopting and using a notion of rationality, reasons, or obligations can cogently recommend, at least to oneself, an internalist or an externalist notion of rationality, reasons, or obligations. Conceptual instrumentalism is one straightforward way to answer questions about what notion of rationality, reasons, or obligations one should adopt and use.Less
This chapter examines relativism about reasons and relativism about concepts of reasons and truth. Purposive normative reasons, according to this chapter, are noteworthy. It explains how purposive normative reasons can contribute to solving a problem of normative relevance, the problem that non-motivating, purpose-independent normative, “reasons” and “requirements” seem too easy to come by. Purpose-independent “reasons” and “requirements” evidently can be introduced ad arbitrium. This chapter also looks at the internalist–externalist debate with conceptual instrumentalism: the view that one's aims, or purposes, in adopting and using a notion of rationality, reasons, or obligations can cogently recommend, at least to oneself, an internalist or an externalist notion of rationality, reasons, or obligations. Conceptual instrumentalism is one straightforward way to answer questions about what notion of rationality, reasons, or obligations one should adopt and use.
Ignacio Bosque and M. Carme Picallo
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199746736
- eISBN:
- 9780199949519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199746736.003.0011
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
This chapter attempts to formally account for a peculiar partitive construction of Old Romance languages that has never been discussed in generative literature. It provides evidence that the definite ...
More
This chapter attempts to formally account for a peculiar partitive construction of Old Romance languages that has never been discussed in generative literature. It provides evidence that the definite article that in this construction precedes the cardinal numeral should be interpreted and treated as a pronoun. Therefore, adopting a Big DP configuration for the article-pronoun and the DP complement of the partitive preposition, it suggests that the article-pronoun raises from the Spec of the Big DP to a higher position where its formal person and number (and perhaps case) features can be checked and valued, and finally morpho-phonologically incorporate to the above cardinal head.Less
This chapter attempts to formally account for a peculiar partitive construction of Old Romance languages that has never been discussed in generative literature. It provides evidence that the definite article that in this construction precedes the cardinal numeral should be interpreted and treated as a pronoun. Therefore, adopting a Big DP configuration for the article-pronoun and the DP complement of the partitive preposition, it suggests that the article-pronoun raises from the Spec of the Big DP to a higher position where its formal person and number (and perhaps case) features can be checked and valued, and finally morpho-phonologically incorporate to the above cardinal head.
Jan Terje Faarlund
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198817918
- eISBN:
- 9780191859298
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198817918.003.0002
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology, Language Families
This chapter deals with the DP and its various layers. The lowest layer is the lexical domain, the NP. On top of the NP, there is a grammatical domain, calledsee Inflectional Phrase (IP), which ...
More
This chapter deals with the DP and its various layers. The lowest layer is the lexical domain, the NP. On top of the NP, there is a grammatical domain, calledsee Inflectional Phrase (IP), which contains the nominal inflectional categories of number and definiteness. The highest domain is the referential domain, the DP. The noun may be followed by complements and adjuncts, mainly in the form of PPs, and preceded by adjectives or quantifiers. Definiteness may be expressed as a preposed definite article or as a suffix on the noun. A non-modified noun moves to D, but an adjective blocks this movement and the definite article is spelt out as a separate word in D. There are several ways of expressing possession, especially in Norwegian, where the possessor can be either pre- or postnominal. In the other languages it is prenominal. Restrictive relative clauses are right-adjoined to IP, non-restrictive to DP. Universal quantifiers are generated above DP.Less
This chapter deals with the DP and its various layers. The lowest layer is the lexical domain, the NP. On top of the NP, there is a grammatical domain, calledsee Inflectional Phrase (IP), which contains the nominal inflectional categories of number and definiteness. The highest domain is the referential domain, the DP. The noun may be followed by complements and adjuncts, mainly in the form of PPs, and preceded by adjectives or quantifiers. Definiteness may be expressed as a preposed definite article or as a suffix on the noun. A non-modified noun moves to D, but an adjective blocks this movement and the definite article is spelt out as a separate word in D. There are several ways of expressing possession, especially in Norwegian, where the possessor can be either pre- or postnominal. In the other languages it is prenominal. Restrictive relative clauses are right-adjoined to IP, non-restrictive to DP. Universal quantifiers are generated above DP.
