Coexisting structures and competing functions in genitive word order
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Elisabetta Magni
Abstract
This paper examines the correlations between word order at the clause level and word order at the noun phrase level in languages with no dominant genitive order. In this perspective, the comparison between Latin and English is a revealing domain for investigating both synchronic variation and diachronic evolution. The analysis uses a functional-typological approach; the assumption is that coexisting and competing patterns, as well as regularities and irregularities in word order, can be analyzed through diachrony. Results show that (1) in both languages, structures developing from different sources are assigned different functions according to multiple processing factors; (2) the mechanisms of word order flexibility observed in Latin, mutatis mutandis, can provide some useful insights for English as well.
Abstract
This paper examines the correlations between word order at the clause level and word order at the noun phrase level in languages with no dominant genitive order. In this perspective, the comparison between Latin and English is a revealing domain for investigating both synchronic variation and diachronic evolution. The analysis uses a functional-typological approach; the assumption is that coexisting and competing patterns, as well as regularities and irregularities in word order, can be analyzed through diachrony. Results show that (1) in both languages, structures developing from different sources are assigned different functions according to multiple processing factors; (2) the mechanisms of word order flexibility observed in Latin, mutatis mutandis, can provide some useful insights for English as well.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- The noun phrase in Germanic and Romance 1
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Part I. Variation
- Scaling the variation in Romance and Germanic nominalizations 25
- What all happens when a universal quantifier combines with an interrogative DP 41
- Micro-diversity in Dutch interrogative DPs 57
- Noun phrase structure and movement 89
- A unified structure for Scandinavian DPs 111
- A semantic approach to noun phrase structure and the definite – indefinite distinction in Germanic and Romance 127
- Definite determiners in two English-based creoles 141
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Part II. Change
- Form-function mismatches in (formally) definite English noun phrases 159
- The emergence of the definite article in English 175
- On the syntax of Romanian definite phrases 193
- Coexisting structures and competing functions in genitive word order 223
- Anaphoric adjectives becoming determiners 241
- From N to D 257
- Index 281
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- The noun phrase in Germanic and Romance 1
-
Part I. Variation
- Scaling the variation in Romance and Germanic nominalizations 25
- What all happens when a universal quantifier combines with an interrogative DP 41
- Micro-diversity in Dutch interrogative DPs 57
- Noun phrase structure and movement 89
- A unified structure for Scandinavian DPs 111
- A semantic approach to noun phrase structure and the definite – indefinite distinction in Germanic and Romance 127
- Definite determiners in two English-based creoles 141
-
Part II. Change
- Form-function mismatches in (formally) definite English noun phrases 159
- The emergence of the definite article in English 175
- On the syntax of Romanian definite phrases 193
- Coexisting structures and competing functions in genitive word order 223
- Anaphoric adjectives becoming determiners 241
- From N to D 257
- Index 281
