Flexible Syntax A Theory of Case and Arguments |
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| Author:
| Neeleman, Ad
Weerman, Fred |
| Series title: | Studies in Natural Language and Linguistic Theory Ser. |
| ISBN: | 978-0-7923-6058-2 |
| Publication Date: | Nov 1999 |
| Publisher: | Springer Netherlands
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| Imprint: | Springer |
| Book Format: | Hardback |
| List Price: | USD $109.99 |
Book Description:
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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....
More DescriptionMost 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.