Flexible Syntax - A Theory of Case and Arguments (STUDIES IN NATURAL LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC THEORY Volume 47)

Neeleman, A.; Weerman, F.; Neeleman, Ad; Weerman, Fred

ISBN 10: 0792360583 / ISBN 13: 9780792360582

Published by Springer, 1999

About this Item

Seller Inventory # I-9780792360582

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Flexible Syntax - A Theory of Case and Arguments (STUDIES IN NATURAL LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC THEORY Volume 47)
• Publisher: Springer
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792360583
• ISBN 13: 9780792360582
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

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.

Review

`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