Sense and simplicity
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Peter de Swart
Abstract
I show that two different motivations drive the differential case marking of direct objects cross-linguistically. On the one hand, direct objects can be marked to signal their markedness with respect to certain semantic features (local distinguishability). Opposed to this we find systems where overt object marking is dependent on global distinguishability and is only applied in cases of actual ambiguity or comparison between subject and object features. In some DOM systems we even find both strategies at work. I argue that these two strategies correspond to different modes of optimization. Whereas local DOM systems can be modeled by referring only to productive optimization, global systems require a model in which interpretive optimization plays a role as well. I introduce an asymmetric model of bidirectional optimization in which the outcome of production is constrained by interpretation. This model will be shown to provide a straightforward analysis of different DOM patterns, in contrast to existing models of bidirectional optimization.
Abstract
I show that two different motivations drive the differential case marking of direct objects cross-linguistically. On the one hand, direct objects can be marked to signal their markedness with respect to certain semantic features (local distinguishability). Opposed to this we find systems where overt object marking is dependent on global distinguishability and is only applied in cases of actual ambiguity or comparison between subject and object features. In some DOM systems we even find both strategies at work. I argue that these two strategies correspond to different modes of optimization. Whereas local DOM systems can be modeled by referring only to productive optimization, global systems require a model in which interpretive optimization plays a role as well. I introduce an asymmetric model of bidirectional optimization in which the outcome of production is constrained by interpretation. This model will be shown to provide a straightforward analysis of different DOM patterns, in contrast to existing models of bidirectional optimization.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Bidirectional Optimality Theory 1
- A programme for bidirectional phonology and phonetics and their acquisition and evolution 33
- A note on the emergence of subject salience 73
- Language acquisition and language change in bidirectional Optimality Theory 97
- Sense and simplicity 125
- On the interaction of tense, aspect and modality in Dutch 151
- Production and comprehension in context 169
- Bayesian interpretation and Optimality Theory 191
- Bidirectional grammar and bidirectional optimization 221
- On bidirectional Optimality Theory for dynamic contexts 249
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Bidirectional Optimality Theory 1
- A programme for bidirectional phonology and phonetics and their acquisition and evolution 33
- A note on the emergence of subject salience 73
- Language acquisition and language change in bidirectional Optimality Theory 97
- Sense and simplicity 125
- On the interaction of tense, aspect and modality in Dutch 151
- Production and comprehension in context 169
- Bayesian interpretation and Optimality Theory 191
- Bidirectional grammar and bidirectional optimization 221
- On bidirectional Optimality Theory for dynamic contexts 249
