ENGLISH

Flexible Syntax: A Theory of Case and Arguments

By Ad Neeleman , Fred Weerman (auth.)

Book information

Publisher
Springer Netherlands
Year
1999
ISBN
978-0-7923-7199-1, 978-94-011-4289-2, 0-7923-6058-3
DOI
10.1007/978-94-011-4289-2
Language
english
Format
PDF
Filesize
8 MB (8325370 bytes)
Series
Studies in Natural Language and Linguistic Theory 47
Edition
1
Pages
253\260
Time added
2013-12-12 02:00:00
Theoretical Languages; Syntax; Comparative Linguis

Description

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.

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