Pietro Bortone
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199556854
- eISBN:
- 9780191721571
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199556854.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Historical Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
New prepositions in Greek express solely spatial meanings, simultaneously lost by their older synonyms, whose use becomes restricted to non‐spatial senses—unless a recent synonym is not available. In ...
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New prepositions in Greek express solely spatial meanings, simultaneously lost by their older synonyms, whose use becomes restricted to non‐spatial senses—unless a recent synonym is not available. In time, new prepositions too develop non‐spatial meanings, eventually losing their spatial ones completely, repeating the life‐cycle of their predecessors.Less
New prepositions in Greek express solely spatial meanings, simultaneously lost by their older synonyms, whose use becomes restricted to non‐spatial senses—unless a recent synonym is not available. In time, new prepositions too develop non‐spatial meanings, eventually losing their spatial ones completely, repeating the life‐cycle of their predecessors.
Marina Chumakina and Greville Corbett (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780197265253
- eISBN:
- 9780191760419
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265253.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
Periphrasis is the phenomenon, well attested in the languages of the world, where a grammatical meaning which we expect to be expressed within a word actually has a syntactic expression. This means ...
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Periphrasis is the phenomenon, well attested in the languages of the world, where a grammatical meaning which we expect to be expressed within a word actually has a syntactic expression. This means that periphrasis straddles the border between two major linguistic components, morphology (word structure) and syntax (sentence structure). This dual nature of periphrasis creates analytical and theoretical problems; to solve these, we need to broaden the range of the evidence examined and to adopt new theoretical approaches. The present volume answers both of these challenges. First, it presents new data on periphrasis, providing a wider typological perspective on the phenomenon than was previously available. The detailed analysis of periphrasis in individual languages from diverse linguistic families — Nakh-Daghestanian, Gunwinyguan (Australian), Uralic and Indo-European — expands our knowledge of the scope of periphrasis, and of its functions, both synchronically and diachronically. Second, the volume presents novel accounts of periphrasis from a number of theoretical approaches, including Canonical Typology, which together give a new perspective on the interaction of periphrasis with other linguistic phenomena. Periphrasis is demonstrated to behave as part of a morphological system in obeying the existing patterns, while formal accounts worked out within an HPSG approach reveal the systematic nature of its syntactic structure. This allows a clearer understanding of the relation between major components (morphology and syntax) in the overall architecture of the grammar.Less
Periphrasis is the phenomenon, well attested in the languages of the world, where a grammatical meaning which we expect to be expressed within a word actually has a syntactic expression. This means that periphrasis straddles the border between two major linguistic components, morphology (word structure) and syntax (sentence structure). This dual nature of periphrasis creates analytical and theoretical problems; to solve these, we need to broaden the range of the evidence examined and to adopt new theoretical approaches. The present volume answers both of these challenges. First, it presents new data on periphrasis, providing a wider typological perspective on the phenomenon than was previously available. The detailed analysis of periphrasis in individual languages from diverse linguistic families — Nakh-Daghestanian, Gunwinyguan (Australian), Uralic and Indo-European — expands our knowledge of the scope of periphrasis, and of its functions, both synchronically and diachronically. Second, the volume presents novel accounts of periphrasis from a number of theoretical approaches, including Canonical Typology, which together give a new perspective on the interaction of periphrasis with other linguistic phenomena. Periphrasis is demonstrated to behave as part of a morphological system in obeying the existing patterns, while formal accounts worked out within an HPSG approach reveal the systematic nature of its syntactic structure. This allows a clearer understanding of the relation between major components (morphology and syntax) in the overall architecture of the grammar.
Nicholas Evans
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780197265253
- eISBN:
- 9780191760419
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197265253.003.0003
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
Periphrasis has a striking role in the Australian (non-Pama-Nyungan) language Dalabon, where it helps to maintain the paradigm structure, and at the same time reshapes the paradigm by adding new ...
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Periphrasis has a striking role in the Australian (non-Pama-Nyungan) language Dalabon, where it helps to maintain the paradigm structure, and at the same time reshapes the paradigm by adding new categories. The key area concerns divalent prefixal marking in verbs, which has been used as evidence in establishing genetic relatedness of non-Pama-Nyungan languages. In Dalabon, there is a set of prefixes to mark subject-object relations for singular objects. The non-singular objects, however, are coded by preverbal pronouns and this chapter demonstrates the true periphrastic nature of this construction. Dalabon is also viewed in the context of other languages of the family, and this allows us to establish the systemic functions of periphrasis, that of ensuring stability of divalent marking in the paradigm, and that of enlarging the paradigm. More generally, then, the Dalabon data provide new evidence of how morphological paradigms behave in the context of change and renewal.Less
Periphrasis has a striking role in the Australian (non-Pama-Nyungan) language Dalabon, where it helps to maintain the paradigm structure, and at the same time reshapes the paradigm by adding new categories. The key area concerns divalent prefixal marking in verbs, which has been used as evidence in establishing genetic relatedness of non-Pama-Nyungan languages. In Dalabon, there is a set of prefixes to mark subject-object relations for singular objects. The non-singular objects, however, are coded by preverbal pronouns and this chapter demonstrates the true periphrastic nature of this construction. Dalabon is also viewed in the context of other languages of the family, and this allows us to establish the systemic functions of periphrasis, that of ensuring stability of divalent marking in the paradigm, and that of enlarging the paradigm. More generally, then, the Dalabon data provide new evidence of how morphological paradigms behave in the context of change and renewal.
Matthew Baerman and Greville G. Corbett
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197264607
- eISBN:
- 9780191734366
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264607.003.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
A defective word is defined by paradigm as incomplete compared with the major class it belongs to. Defectiveness signifies the unwanted intrusion of morphological idiosyncrasy into syntax. Although ...
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A defective word is defined by paradigm as incomplete compared with the major class it belongs to. Defectiveness signifies the unwanted intrusion of morphological idiosyncrasy into syntax. Although this phenomenon has been a constant subject of studies, it has been ill incorporated into the theories of language. This present volume brings together scholars from various theoretical schools for an overdue typological view of defectiveness. It concentrates on some samples of idiosyncratic gaps which are assumed as indicative of the phenomenon of defectiveness. Before delving into the specified topics of each chapter, this introductory chapter presents a typology of defective paradigms. It discusses terms used to describe defectiveness in synchronotic terms, and the possible diachrony of defective paradigms.Less
A defective word is defined by paradigm as incomplete compared with the major class it belongs to. Defectiveness signifies the unwanted intrusion of morphological idiosyncrasy into syntax. Although this phenomenon has been a constant subject of studies, it has been ill incorporated into the theories of language. This present volume brings together scholars from various theoretical schools for an overdue typological view of defectiveness. It concentrates on some samples of idiosyncratic gaps which are assumed as indicative of the phenomenon of defectiveness. Before delving into the specified topics of each chapter, this introductory chapter presents a typology of defective paradigms. It discusses terms used to describe defectiveness in synchronotic terms, and the possible diachrony of defective paradigms.
Søren Wichmann
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This introductory chapter presents the background of the book, discusses the new term ‘semantic alignment’ and related terminology, traces major developments in the study of semantic alignment, ...
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This introductory chapter presents the background of the book, discusses the new term ‘semantic alignment’ and related terminology, traces major developments in the study of semantic alignment, characterizes the overall achievement of the book, and summarizes the individual chapters.Less
This introductory chapter presents the background of the book, discusses the new term ‘semantic alignment’ and related terminology, traces major developments in the study of semantic alignment, characterizes the overall achievement of the book, and summarizes the individual chapters.
Andrej Malchukov
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0003
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This chapter shows that a number of split intransitive languages have developed from re-analysis of transimpersonal experiencer object constructions. More generally, it is argued that split ...
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This chapter shows that a number of split intransitive languages have developed from re-analysis of transimpersonal experiencer object constructions. More generally, it is argued that split intransitive systems emerge through the interaction of universal functional pressures with language particular structural conditions.Less
This chapter shows that a number of split intransitive languages have developed from re-analysis of transimpersonal experiencer object constructions. More generally, it is argued that split intransitive systems emerge through the interaction of universal functional pressures with language particular structural conditions.
Edward J. Vajda
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0006
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
Proto-Yeniseic possessed a type of semantic alignment whereby subject and object NPs were zero marked and most undergoer subjects generated verb-internal agreement. Modern Ket exhibits a more complex ...
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Proto-Yeniseic possessed a type of semantic alignment whereby subject and object NPs were zero marked and most undergoer subjects generated verb-internal agreement. Modern Ket exhibits a more complex system of verb-internal subject-object marking involving several different patterns which defy simple semantic classification. This chapter traces this phenomenon diachronically.Less
Proto-Yeniseic possessed a type of semantic alignment whereby subject and object NPs were zero marked and most undergoer subjects generated verb-internal agreement. Modern Ket exhibits a more complex system of verb-internal subject-object marking involving several different patterns which defy simple semantic classification. This chapter traces this phenomenon diachronically.
Gary Holton
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0010
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This chapter compares alignment patterns across the North Halmaheran (West Papuan) languages, concluding that formal patterns of alignment are inherently unstable. Semantically aligned systems are ...
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This chapter compares alignment patterns across the North Halmaheran (West Papuan) languages, concluding that formal patterns of alignment are inherently unstable. Semantically aligned systems are shown to have arisen from originally syntactically aligned system through the loss of pleonastic actor pronouns.Less
This chapter compares alignment patterns across the North Halmaheran (West Papuan) languages, concluding that formal patterns of alignment are inherently unstable. Semantically aligned systems are shown to have arisen from originally syntactically aligned system through the loss of pleonastic actor pronouns.
Marianne Mithun
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0012
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
It has been proposed that patterns of core argument categorization, sometimes termed ‘alignment’, are highly stable over time. Certain language families, however, show evidence of relatively recent ...
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It has been proposed that patterns of core argument categorization, sometimes termed ‘alignment’, are highly stable over time. Certain language families, however, show evidence of relatively recent shifts in these patterns. Agent/patient patterns in particular, which are considered rare, show strong areal concentrations in certain regions such as North America. This chapter examines situations that can trigger such shifts, mechanisms of diffusion, and the traces they can leave behind.Less
It has been proposed that patterns of core argument categorization, sometimes termed ‘alignment’, are highly stable over time. Certain language families, however, show evidence of relatively recent shifts in these patterns. Agent/patient patterns in particular, which are considered rare, show strong areal concentrations in certain regions such as North America. This chapter examines situations that can trigger such shifts, mechanisms of diffusion, and the traces they can leave behind.
Enrique L. Palancar
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0014
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
Otomi is an Otomanguean, Mesoamerican language whose intransitive verbs display two types of semantic alignment patterns: agent-patient and active-stative. This uncommon feature makes Otomi an ...
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Otomi is an Otomanguean, Mesoamerican language whose intransitive verbs display two types of semantic alignment patterns: agent-patient and active-stative. This uncommon feature makes Otomi an interesting language typologically. This chapter advances a proposal about how the active-stative alignment emerged diachronically in the grammar of Otomi.Less
Otomi is an Otomanguean, Mesoamerican language whose intransitive verbs display two types of semantic alignment patterns: agent-patient and active-stative. This uncommon feature makes Otomi an interesting language typologically. This chapter advances a proposal about how the active-stative alignment emerged diachronically in the grammar of Otomi.
Swintha Danielsen and Tania Granadillo
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199238385
- eISBN:
- 9780191716768
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199238385.003.0016
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This chapter discusses the agreement systems of two genetically and geographically disparate Arawak languages, Kurripako and Baure. While Kurripako exhibits semantic alignment, the differential ...
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This chapter discusses the agreement systems of two genetically and geographically disparate Arawak languages, Kurripako and Baure. While Kurripako exhibits semantic alignment, the differential treatment of Baure intransitive subjects relates to parts of speech. It is hypothesized, however, that the Baure system developed from one similar to that of Kurripako.Less
This chapter discusses the agreement systems of two genetically and geographically disparate Arawak languages, Kurripako and Baure. While Kurripako exhibits semantic alignment, the differential treatment of Baure intransitive subjects relates to parts of speech. It is hypothesized, however, that the Baure system developed from one similar to that of Kurripako.
Paul Kiparsky
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199298495
- eISBN:
- 9780191711442
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199298495.003.0002
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Historical Linguistics
This chapter presents an absolute explanation for universal patterns. The following criteria should converge to identify true universals: (1) universals have no exceptions (for what does not arise by ...
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This chapter presents an absolute explanation for universal patterns. The following criteria should converge to identify true universals: (1) universals have no exceptions (for what does not arise by change cannot be subverted by it either). That is, they are violable only in virtue of more highly ranked universal constraints. (2) Universals are process-independent. (3) Universals can be manifested in ‘emergence of the unmarked’ effects. (4) Universals constitute pathways for analogical change. (5) Universals are embedded in grammars as constraints and can interact with other grammatical constraints. Choosing as testing grounds Binding Theory and split ergativity in morphosyntax, and voicing neutralization and sonority in phonology, it is argued that criteria do converge rather cleanly in each case.Less
This chapter presents an absolute explanation for universal patterns. The following criteria should converge to identify true universals: (1) universals have no exceptions (for what does not arise by change cannot be subverted by it either). That is, they are violable only in virtue of more highly ranked universal constraints. (2) Universals are process-independent. (3) Universals can be manifested in ‘emergence of the unmarked’ effects. (4) Universals constitute pathways for analogical change. (5) Universals are embedded in grammars as constraints and can interact with other grammatical constraints. Choosing as testing grounds Binding Theory and split ergativity in morphosyntax, and voicing neutralization and sonority in phonology, it is argued that criteria do converge rather cleanly in each case.
Martin Haspelmath
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199298495
- eISBN:
- 9780191711442
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199298495.003.0008
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Historical Linguistics
This chapter presents five main points. First is that a very large number of morphosyntactic implicational universals can be explained by invoking economic motivation: more frequently used ...
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This chapter presents five main points. First is that a very large number of morphosyntactic implicational universals can be explained by invoking economic motivation: more frequently used expressions are shorter than semantically similar, but more rarely used expressions, because they are more predictable. Second, all universal morphosyntactic asymmetries are economically motivated. Third, economical patterns are created by speakers in language use, and when innovative patterns spread through the community, they are manifested in the results of language change. Fourth, there are at least three different diachronic paths through which economical patterns arise: differential phonological reduction, differential expansion of a new construction, and selective analogical change. Fifth, one obvious possible diachronic path does not seem to be well attested: differential morphosyntactic reduction. However, this generalization is problematic, because morphosyntactic reduction is not easy to differentiate from phonological reduction, and counter-examples have been noted.Less
This chapter presents five main points. First is that a very large number of morphosyntactic implicational universals can be explained by invoking economic motivation: more frequently used expressions are shorter than semantically similar, but more rarely used expressions, because they are more predictable. Second, all universal morphosyntactic asymmetries are economically motivated. Third, economical patterns are created by speakers in language use, and when innovative patterns spread through the community, they are manifested in the results of language change. Fourth, there are at least three different diachronic paths through which economical patterns arise: differential phonological reduction, differential expansion of a new construction, and selective analogical change. Fifth, one obvious possible diachronic path does not seem to be well attested: differential morphosyntactic reduction. However, this generalization is problematic, because morphosyntactic reduction is not easy to differentiate from phonological reduction, and counter-examples have been noted.
Ahuvia Kahane
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199559213
- eISBN:
- 9780191594403
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199559213.003.0009
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Literary Studies: Classical, Early, and Medieval
This chapter considers the structure of ethical action in Sophocles' Antigone in the context of Lacan's key comments on the play and on the ethics of psychoanalysis, and with special attention to ...
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This chapter considers the structure of ethical action in Sophocles' Antigone in the context of Lacan's key comments on the play and on the ethics of psychoanalysis, and with special attention to some recent criticism of Lacan by Judith Butler. The chapter attempts to re‐phrase the ‘economy’ of Antigone's choice, her absolute commitment to her brother's precedence, as well as questions of kinship, in terms of temporality and especially with regard to the brother's singular unrepeatability. Understanding Lacan's fundamental approach to the question of time (‘logical time’, ‘anticipatory certitude’, etc.) and to the questions of topology, as well as some of their underpinnings in science and philosophy can, the chapter argues, help us redefine, not only Antigone's action, and thus also the action of the play Antigone, but also to see the claims of her commitment and the general structure of ethical action more clearly.Less
This chapter considers the structure of ethical action in Sophocles' Antigone in the context of Lacan's key comments on the play and on the ethics of psychoanalysis, and with special attention to some recent criticism of Lacan by Judith Butler. The chapter attempts to re‐phrase the ‘economy’ of Antigone's choice, her absolute commitment to her brother's precedence, as well as questions of kinship, in terms of temporality and especially with regard to the brother's singular unrepeatability. Understanding Lacan's fundamental approach to the question of time (‘logical time’, ‘anticipatory certitude’, etc.) and to the questions of topology, as well as some of their underpinnings in science and philosophy can, the chapter argues, help us redefine, not only Antigone's action, and thus also the action of the play Antigone, but also to see the claims of her commitment and the general structure of ethical action more clearly.
Peter C. Hodgson
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199654956
- eISBN:
- 9780191741333
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199654956.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
Reason identifies the central theme of world history, which gives it meaning: ‘the progress of the consciousness of freedom’; and it articulates this theme in a threefold structure (using a ...
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Reason identifies the central theme of world history, which gives it meaning: ‘the progress of the consciousness of freedom’; and it articulates this theme in a threefold structure (using a terminology not employed by Hegel himself): synchronic (pattern), diachronic (progress), and surchronic (see chapter 5). The first two of these structures are examined in chapters 2–4. From a synchronic perspective, freedom takes shape through the interweaving of the divine idea and human passions: history is a divine-human production. Viewed diachronically, freedom unfolds through stages of historical development: one is free (the Oriental world), some are free (the Greek and Roman worlds), and human beings as such are free (the Germanic/European world). History has a beginning, a progression, and an end.Less
Reason identifies the central theme of world history, which gives it meaning: ‘the progress of the consciousness of freedom’; and it articulates this theme in a threefold structure (using a terminology not employed by Hegel himself): synchronic (pattern), diachronic (progress), and surchronic (see chapter 5). The first two of these structures are examined in chapters 2–4. From a synchronic perspective, freedom takes shape through the interweaving of the divine idea and human passions: history is a divine-human production. Viewed diachronically, freedom unfolds through stages of historical development: one is free (the Oriental world), some are free (the Greek and Roman worlds), and human beings as such are free (the Germanic/European world). History has a beginning, a progression, and an end.
Jane Stuart-Smith
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199257737
- eISBN:
- 9780191717765
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199257737.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Phonetics / Phonology
This book presents a treatment of a long-standing problem of Proto–Indo–European and Italic philology: the development of the Proto–Indo–European voiced aspirates in the ancient languages of Italy. ...
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This book presents a treatment of a long-standing problem of Proto–Indo–European and Italic philology: the development of the Proto–Indo–European voiced aspirates in the ancient languages of Italy. In so doing it tackles a central issue of historical linguistics: the plausibility of explanations for sound change. The book argues that the problem can be resolved by combining a traditional philological investigation with experimental phonetics. Philological methods enable the presentation of the first integrated account of the evidence for the Italic languages, with detailed discussion of languages other than Latin. Theory and methods from experimental phonetics are then adopted to offer a new explanation for how the sound change might have taken place. At the same time, phonetic methods also confirm the traditional reconstruction of voiced aspirates for Proto–Indo–European. Thus the book offers a case-study of the successful application of synchronic theory and method to a problem of diachrony.Less
This book presents a treatment of a long-standing problem of Proto–Indo–European and Italic philology: the development of the Proto–Indo–European voiced aspirates in the ancient languages of Italy. In so doing it tackles a central issue of historical linguistics: the plausibility of explanations for sound change. The book argues that the problem can be resolved by combining a traditional philological investigation with experimental phonetics. Philological methods enable the presentation of the first integrated account of the evidence for the Italic languages, with detailed discussion of languages other than Latin. Theory and methods from experimental phonetics are then adopted to offer a new explanation for how the sound change might have taken place. At the same time, phonetic methods also confirm the traditional reconstruction of voiced aspirates for Proto–Indo–European. Thus the book offers a case-study of the successful application of synchronic theory and method to a problem of diachrony.
Martin Haspelmath
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780198235606
- eISBN:
- 9780191851971
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198235606.003.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology, Language Families
This book examines the connections between the formal and functional (semantic and syntactic) properties of indefinite pronouns. It considers the main theoretical debates surrounding the semantic and ...
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This book examines the connections between the formal and functional (semantic and syntactic) properties of indefinite pronouns. It considers the main theoretical debates surrounding the semantic and syntactic properties of indefinite pronouns as well as the diachronic sources of the markers of indefinite pronouns. It describes the new generalizations that emerge from the typological and diachronic research and provides explanations. It also outlines the goals and methods of the typological approach, focusing on the important preconditions for typology such as the availability of data from a variety of languages. Other topics covered by the book include the space of formal and functional variation found in indefinite pronouns, implicational universals, theoretical approaches to the functions of indefinite pronouns such as the tradition of structuralist semantics, the grammaticalization of indefinite pronouns, further sources of indefinite pronouns that cannot be easily subsumed under grammaticalization, and the cross-linguistic patterning of negative indefinite pronouns.Less
This book examines the connections between the formal and functional (semantic and syntactic) properties of indefinite pronouns. It considers the main theoretical debates surrounding the semantic and syntactic properties of indefinite pronouns as well as the diachronic sources of the markers of indefinite pronouns. It describes the new generalizations that emerge from the typological and diachronic research and provides explanations. It also outlines the goals and methods of the typological approach, focusing on the important preconditions for typology such as the availability of data from a variety of languages. Other topics covered by the book include the space of formal and functional variation found in indefinite pronouns, implicational universals, theoretical approaches to the functions of indefinite pronouns such as the tradition of structuralist semantics, the grammaticalization of indefinite pronouns, further sources of indefinite pronouns that cannot be easily subsumed under grammaticalization, and the cross-linguistic patterning of negative indefinite pronouns.
Anneli Meurman-Solin, Maria Jose Lopez-Couso, and Bettelou Los (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199860210
- eISBN:
- 9780199949601
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199860210.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, English Language
This book applies information structure as it relates to language change to a corpus-based analysis of a wide range of features in the evolution of English syntax and grammars of prose in long ...
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This book applies information structure as it relates to language change to a corpus-based analysis of a wide range of features in the evolution of English syntax and grammars of prose in long diachrony. Its unifying topic is the role of information structure, broadly conceived, as it interacts with the other levels of linguistic description, syntax, morphology, prosody, semantics, and pragmatics. The volume comprises twelve chapters by leading scholars who take a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches. Their work affirms, among other things, that motivations for selecting a particular syntactic option vary from information structure in the strict sense to discourse organization, or a particular style or register, and can also be associated with external forces such as the development of a literary culture.Less
This book applies information structure as it relates to language change to a corpus-based analysis of a wide range of features in the evolution of English syntax and grammars of prose in long diachrony. Its unifying topic is the role of information structure, broadly conceived, as it interacts with the other levels of linguistic description, syntax, morphology, prosody, semantics, and pragmatics. The volume comprises twelve chapters by leading scholars who take a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches. Their work affirms, among other things, that motivations for selecting a particular syntactic option vary from information structure in the strict sense to discourse organization, or a particular style or register, and can also be associated with external forces such as the development of a literary culture.
Andrew Garrett
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199582624
- eISBN:
- 9780191731068
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199582624.003.0003
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Historical Linguistics, Syntax and Morphology
This chapter suggests that the interest in reanalysis as a mechanism of change, while rightly focusing attention on syntactic structure, also contributes to a blinkered view of diachrony. It ...
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This chapter suggests that the interest in reanalysis as a mechanism of change, while rightly focusing attention on syntactic structure, also contributes to a blinkered view of diachrony. It exemplifies this view with accounts of two widely discussed changes: the Middle English emergence of for noun phrase (NP) to verb phrase (VP) infinitivals, and the Early Modern English emergence of the be going to future. These accounts illustrate an approach whose goal is not just to characterize reanalyses but to understand what lies behind them. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 3.2 comments on the modern interest in reanalysis and then treats alleged reanalysis changes as cases of analogy or grammaticalization. Section 3.3 shows that radical reanalysis in syntactic change has been overemphasized, and that most of the changes involved in one well-known alleged case (the English for NP to VP pattern) are broadly analogical. Section 3.4 proposes a new account of the emergence of the English be going to future. This case shows how the combinatorial properties of a source pattern give rise to the properties of an emergent one in grammaticalization. Section 3.5 concludes.Less
This chapter suggests that the interest in reanalysis as a mechanism of change, while rightly focusing attention on syntactic structure, also contributes to a blinkered view of diachrony. It exemplifies this view with accounts of two widely discussed changes: the Middle English emergence of for noun phrase (NP) to verb phrase (VP) infinitivals, and the Early Modern English emergence of the be going to future. These accounts illustrate an approach whose goal is not just to characterize reanalyses but to understand what lies behind them. The chapter is organized as follows. Section 3.2 comments on the modern interest in reanalysis and then treats alleged reanalysis changes as cases of analogy or grammaticalization. Section 3.3 shows that radical reanalysis in syntactic change has been overemphasized, and that most of the changes involved in one well-known alleged case (the English for NP to VP pattern) are broadly analogical. Section 3.4 proposes a new account of the emergence of the English be going to future. This case shows how the combinatorial properties of a source pattern give rise to the properties of an emergent one in grammaticalization. Section 3.5 concludes.
J. Rasmus Brandt and Jon W. Iddeng
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199696093
- eISBN:
- 9780191745744
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199696093.003.0001
- Subject:
- Classical Studies, Ancient Religions, Archaeology: Classical
The introduction reflects on the methodological and theoretical approaches used by the authors in their discussions of ancient festivals. A few central dichotomous concepts structure the ...
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The introduction reflects on the methodological and theoretical approaches used by the authors in their discussions of ancient festivals. A few central dichotomous concepts structure the introduction: synchronic vs. diachronic presentations, content and form (in which are hidden concepts like ritual processes, performance, communication, and symbols), sacred and secular, memory and identity (including concepts such as exclusion, rejection, and incorporation), individual and collective.Less
The introduction reflects on the methodological and theoretical approaches used by the authors in their discussions of ancient festivals. A few central dichotomous concepts structure the introduction: synchronic vs. diachronic presentations, content and form (in which are hidden concepts like ritual processes, performance, communication, and symbols), sacred and secular, memory and identity (including concepts such as exclusion, rejection, and incorporation), individual and collective.
