Flexible Syntax
A Theory of Case and Arguments
Published on 30. September 2001
Book
Paperback/Softback
XI, 253 pages
978-0-7923-7199-1 (ISBN)
Description
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.
Reviews / Votes
` This book presents very innovative and original ideas, and an impressive variety of data and problems to be accounted for. 'Alex Alsina
` I enjoyed the book a lot and found it very stimulating. In my opinion, it is a very good piece of work. '
Denis Bouchard
More details
Series
Edition
Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1999
Language
English
Place of publication
Dordrecht
Netherlands
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Research
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
XI, 253 p.
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
418 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7923-7199-1 (9780792371991)
DOI
10.1007/978-94-011-4289-2
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
11/1999
Kluwer Academic Publishers
€106.99
Shipment within 15-20 days
Content
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.