Objects and Information Structure: 131 (Cambridge Studies in Linguistics, Series Number 131)

Dalrymple, Mary

ISBN 10: 0521199859 / ISBN 13: 9780521199858

Published by Cambridge University Press, 2011

About this Item

A cross-linguistic study of how objects are affected by information structure. Series: Cambridge Studies in Linguistics. Num Pages: 262 pages, Illustrations. BIC Classification: CFG; CFK. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 235 x 162 x 12. Weight in Grams: 522. . 2011. Illustrated. hardcover. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9780521199858

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Objects and Information Structure: 131 (Cambridge Studies in Linguistics, Series Number 131)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521199859
• ISBN 13: 9780521199858
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

In many languages, the objects of transitive verbs are either marked by grammatical case or agreement on the verb, or they remain unmarked: this is differential object marking. This book is a cross-linguistic study of how differential object marking is affected by information structure, the structuring of the utterance in accordance with the informational value of its elements and contextual factors. Marked objects tend to be associated with old information or information that the sentence is about, while unmarked objects tend to express new information. The book also sheds light on grammatical patterning in languages with differential object marking: in some languages marked and unmarked objects have identical grammatical properties, whereas in other languages marked objects are more active in syntax. Finally, it provides a theory of the historical changes that lead to the emergence of various patterns of differential object marking.

About the Authors

Mary Dalrymple is Professor of Syntax in the Faculty of Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics at the University of Oxford.

Irina Nikolaeva is a Lecturer in Endangered Languages in the Department of Linguistics at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London.