Features, Categories and the Syntax of A-Positions : Cross-Linguistic Variation in the Germanic Languages

E. Haeberli

ISBN 10: 1402008554 / ISBN 13: 9781402008559

Published by Springer Netherlands, Springer, 2002

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - Features, Categories, and the Syntax of A-Positions investigates various aspects of the distribution of nominal arguments, and in particular the cross-linguistic variation that can be found among the Germanic languages in this domain of the syntax. The empirical topics that are discussed include variable vs. fixed argument order, the distribution of subjects with respect to adjuncts, expletive constructions, and oblique subjecthood. These and many other phenomena are analyzed within a theoretical framework which is based on the Minimalist Program. The book argues that the traditional theoretical devices accounting for the distribution of arguments in generative syntax (abstract Case, the Extended Projection Principle) should be eliminated from the grammar and that their apparent effects can be derived from the feature specifications of syntactic categories. Furthermore, it is shown that several aspects of the cross-linguistic variation found in the syntax of arguments can be related to variation in the domain of inflectional morphology.

Seller Inventory # 9781402008559

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Features, Categories and the Syntax of A-Positions : Cross-Linguistic Variation in the Germanic Languages
• Publisher: Springer Netherlands, Springer
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1402008554
• ISBN 13: 9781402008559
• Binding: Taschenbuch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 235W x 155H x 22D millimeters 235 millimeters width by 155 millimeters height by 22 millimeters depth
• Weight: 598 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Features, Categories, and the Syntax of A-Positions investigates various aspects of the distribution of nominal arguments, and in particular the cross-linguistic variation that can be found among the Germanic languages in this domain of the syntax. The empirical topics that are discussed include variable vs. fixed argument order, the distribution of subjects with respect to adjuncts, expletive constructions, and oblique subjecthood. These and many other phenomena are analyzed within a theoretical framework which is based on the Minimalist Program. The book argues that the traditional theoretical devices accounting for the distribution of arguments in generative syntax (abstract Case, the Extended Projection Principle) should be eliminated from the grammar and that their apparent effects can be derived from the feature specifications of syntactic categories. Furthermore, it is shown that several aspects of the cross-linguistic variation found in the syntax of arguments can be related to variation in the domain of inflectional morphology.