Flexible Syntax: A Theory of Case and Arguments / Edition 1

by A. Neeleman, F. Weerman

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780792371991
Publisher:	Springer Netherlands
Publication date:	09/30/2001
Series:	Studies in Natural Language and Linguistic Theory , #47
Edition description:	1999
Pages:	253
Product dimensions:	6.30(w) x 9.45(h) x 0.36(d)

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

‘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

From the Publisher