Overview

Most linguistic theories assume that each grammatical relation is established in a unique structural configuration. This text takes 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.

Full Product Details

Author:   A. Neeleman ,  F. Weerman
Publisher:   Springer
Imprint:   Springer
Edition:   Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 1999
Volume:   47
Dimensions:   Width: 16.00cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 24.00cm
Weight:   0.860kg
ISBN:  

9780792371991

ISBN 10:   0792371992
Pages:   253
Publication Date:   30 September 2001
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

1: Prologue.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Case Theory.- 3. ?-Theory.- 4. Word Order.- 5. Overview.- Bibliographical Note.- 2: The OV/VO Parameter.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Domain of ?-role Assignment.- 3. The Domains of Head Government.- 4. The Formation of VP Shells.- 5. Particles.- 6. Scrambling.- 7. Double Object Constructions.- 8. Exceptional Case Marking.- 9. Concluding Remarks.- 3: Morphological Case.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Asymmetries between Nominative and Case.- 3. Syntactic Effects of Morphological Case.- 4. Toward a Theory of Case Features.- 5. Concluding Remarks.- 4: Prepositional Complements.- 1. Introduction.- 2. The Problem.- 3. Indirect ?-Role Assignment.- 4. LF Incorporation.- 5. Empirical Consequences.- 6. PP Complements to Nouns.- 7. Concluding Remarks.- 5: Raising to Subject.- 1. Introduction.- 2. ?-Role Promotion as A’-Movement.- 3. NP Raising as Null Operator Movement.- 4. Short versus Long Null Operator Movement.- 5. Improper Movement.- 6. Concluding Remarks.- 6: Head Marking.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Head-Marking Affixes.- 3. Absolutive-Ergative Languages.- 4. VSO Languages.- 5. The Linearization of Subjects.- 6. Concluding Remarks.- 7: Epilogue.- 1. Introduction.- 2. Falsifiability.- 3. Flexibility.- References.

Reviews

'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

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

'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

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