Flexible Syntax : A Theory of Case and Arguments

F. Weerman

ISBN 10: 0792360583 / ISBN 13: 9780792360582

Published by Springer Netherlands, Springer Netherlands, 1999

About this Item

Druck auf Anfrage Neuware - Printed after ordering - 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.

Seller Inventory # 9780792360582

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Flexible Syntax : A Theory of Case and Arguments
• Publisher: Springer Netherlands, Springer Netherlands
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0792360583
• ISBN 13: 9780792360582
• Binding: Buch
• Condition: Neu
• Dimensions: 241W x 160H x 21D millimeters 241 millimeters width by 160 millimeters height by 21 millimeters depth
• Weight: 574 grams

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