Flexible Syntax

A Theory of Case and Arguments

By: A. Neeleman, F. Weerman

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Paperback | 30 September 2001

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276 Pages

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23.5 x 15.88 x 1.91

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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.

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Non-Fiction Language & Linguistics Linguistics Historical & Comparative Linguistics Philosophy of Language Grammar, Syntax & Morphology Medicine Medicine in General Language Learning & Teaching Language Teaching & Learning Material & Coursework Grammar, Vocabulary & Pronunciation

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Published: 30th November 1999

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Preface	p. ix
Prologue	p. 1
Introduction	p. 1
Case Theory	p. 5
[Theta]-Theory	p. 8
Word Order	p. 11
Overview	p. 15
Bibliographical Note	p. 16
The OV/VO Parameter	p. 17
Introduction	p. 17
The Domain of [Theta]-role Assignment	p. 19
The Domains of Head Government	p. 22
The Formation of VP Shells	p. 27
Particles	p. 31
Scrambling	p. 38
Double Object Constructions	p. 45
Exceptional Case Marking	p. 53
Concluding Remarks	p. 55
Morphological Case	p. 59
Introduction	p. 59
Asymmetries between Nominative and Case	p. 62
Agreement	p. 63
Case Affixes	p. 64
Selection	p. 67
Case Attraction	p. 68
Acquisition	p. 69
Syntactic Effects of Morphological Case	p. 70
Complementation	p. 71
VO-leakages	p. 74
Scrambling across Arguments	p. 78
Quirky Subjects	p. 80
Toward a Theory of Case Features	p. 82
The Organization of Case Paradigms	p. 84
Morphological Case in German	p. 91
Morphological Case in Icelandic	p. 94
Concluding Remarks	p. 102
Prepositional Complements	p. 105
Introduction	p. 105
The Problem	p. 107
Indirect [Theta]-Role Assignment	p. 112
LF Incorporation	p. 114
Empirical Consequences	p. 116
PP Subjects	p. 117
PP Complements and Case	p. 120
Idiomatic Selection	p. 123
PP-DP Coordination	p. 125
Double PP Constructions	p. 128
Excursus on the Distribution of Selected PPs	p. 134
PP Complements to Nouns	p. 137
Concluding Remarks	p. 142
Raising to Subject	p. 145
Introduction	p. 145
[Theta]-Role Promotion as A'-Movement	p. 147
NP Raising as Null Operator Movement	p. 153
Designing a Trigger	p. 153
Case Absorption	p. 155
Raising to [Theta]-Positions	p. 156
Raising of Non-Arguments	p. 158
Raising to Object Positions	p. 159
Coordination	p. 160
Short versus Long Null Operator Movement	p. 162
Superraising	p. 163
Non-Competing Derivations	p. 167
Cyclicity	p. 169
Improper Movement	p. 172
Concluding Remarks	p. 176
Head Marking	p. 179
Introduction	p. 179
Head-Marking Affixes	p. 182
Absolutive-Ergative Languages	p. 187
The Ergativity Parameter	p. 187
Empirical Consequences	p. 191
VSO Languages	p. 195
The VSO Parameter	p. 195
Japanese Nominatives	p. 202
The Linearization of Subjects	p. 208
Anaphoric Dependence	p. 208
Nominative-Dative Inversion	p. 210
Expletives	p. 214
Locative Inversion	p. 216
Concluding Remarks	p. 219
Epilogue	p. 223
Introduction	p. 223
Falsifiability	p. 223
Flexibility	p. 226
References	p. 231
Index	p. 245
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.

Flexible Syntax

A Theory of Case and Arguments

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Paperback

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