Parataxis and hypotaxis in the history of English
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George Walkden
Abstract
The claim that parataxis precedes hypotaxis in the history of English is an idea with a long pedigree; however, the empirical evidence for it is limited. In this chapter, I revisit the question of parataxis and hypotaxis diachronically, focusing on two different claims. The first is the idea that finite clausal complementation emerged from clausal juxtaposition. Following Axel-Tober (2012, 2017), I argue that this scenario is implausible. The second is the idea that the proportion of subordinate clauses increases gradually over time. This quantitative claim can be assessed using parsed historical corpora. No gradual increase can be observed; rather, we see substantial genre-conditioned variation. I conclude that the idea of parataxis preceding hypotaxis might be ready for retirement.
Abstract
The claim that parataxis precedes hypotaxis in the history of English is an idea with a long pedigree; however, the empirical evidence for it is limited. In this chapter, I revisit the question of parataxis and hypotaxis diachronically, focusing on two different claims. The first is the idea that finite clausal complementation emerged from clausal juxtaposition. Following Axel-Tober (2012, 2017), I argue that this scenario is implausible. The second is the idea that the proportion of subordinate clauses increases gradually over time. This quantitative claim can be assessed using parsed historical corpora. No gradual increase can be observed; rather, we see substantial genre-conditioned variation. I conclude that the idea of parataxis preceding hypotaxis might be ready for retirement.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- Introduction 1
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Part I. Syntax and word order
- Parataxis and hypotaxis in the history of English 10
- Two types of left-dislocation in Old English 34
- Subject-verb agreement and the rise of do -support in the period of anglicisation of Scots 53
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Part II. Diachronic linguistic change
- A modern light on diachronic processes affecting coda /l/ in English 82
- Modality and the English subjunctive in noun clauses 103
- Some philological implications of punctuation in editions of Middle English texts 120
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Part III. Lexicography and lexis
- The unfinished double glosses in Durham Cathedral Library, MS A.iv.19 144
- Early modern manuscripts containing Old English dictionaries in England and northern Germany 166
- Loss of wiþer -words in English 191
- Investigating the dynamics of the lexicon 212
- Index 233
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- Introduction 1
-
Part I. Syntax and word order
- Parataxis and hypotaxis in the history of English 10
- Two types of left-dislocation in Old English 34
- Subject-verb agreement and the rise of do -support in the period of anglicisation of Scots 53
-
Part II. Diachronic linguistic change
- A modern light on diachronic processes affecting coda /l/ in English 82
- Modality and the English subjunctive in noun clauses 103
- Some philological implications of punctuation in editions of Middle English texts 120
-
Part III. Lexicography and lexis
- The unfinished double glosses in Durham Cathedral Library, MS A.iv.19 144
- Early modern manuscripts containing Old English dictionaries in England and northern Germany 166
- Loss of wiþer -words in English 191
- Investigating the dynamics of the lexicon 212
- Index 233
