Chapter 4. Axial Parts beyond space
-
Ludovico Franco
Abstract
This chapter investigates the nature of Axial Parts (AxPs)/Relational nouns(RelN) and their relationship with Grounds in spatial expressions and beyond. We argue that the relation between AxPs and Grounds is predicative. We challenge the view that prepositions inherently encode spatial meanings, arguing instead that they function as general relators whose specific interpretation depends on the context. The Finnish locative system is examined as a challenge to existing accounts, and a novel structure with a “double inclusion layer” is proposed. Cross-linguistic evidence, mainly basing on Italian and Persian data, supports our analysis, showing that AxPs spread beyond spatial expressions and that prepositions act as general relators for the predicative content.
Abstract
This chapter investigates the nature of Axial Parts (AxPs)/Relational nouns(RelN) and their relationship with Grounds in spatial expressions and beyond. We argue that the relation between AxPs and Grounds is predicative. We challenge the view that prepositions inherently encode spatial meanings, arguing instead that they function as general relators whose specific interpretation depends on the context. The Finnish locative system is examined as a challenge to existing accounts, and a novel structure with a “double inclusion layer” is proposed. Cross-linguistic evidence, mainly basing on Italian and Persian data, supports our analysis, showing that AxPs spread beyond spatial expressions and that prepositions act as general relators for the predicative content.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Dedication v
- Table of contents vii
- Preface ix
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
- Chapter 2. Oblique serial verbs in Creole/Pidgin languages and beyond 16
- Chapter 3. A syntactic interpretation of the applicative-causative syncretism 49
- Chapter 4. Axial Parts beyond space 73
- Chapter 5. Existential sentences in Romance based Creoles 114
- Chapter 6. The morphosyntax of Italian ethnic adjectives 134
- Chapter 7. The morphosyntactic interaction of kinship terms with evaluative morphemes in Italian 169
- Chapter 8. Conclusions 186
- Bibliography 188
- Subject index 215
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Dedication v
- Table of contents vii
- Preface ix
- Chapter 1. Introduction 1
- Chapter 2. Oblique serial verbs in Creole/Pidgin languages and beyond 16
- Chapter 3. A syntactic interpretation of the applicative-causative syncretism 49
- Chapter 4. Axial Parts beyond space 73
- Chapter 5. Existential sentences in Romance based Creoles 114
- Chapter 6. The morphosyntax of Italian ethnic adjectives 134
- Chapter 7. The morphosyntactic interaction of kinship terms with evaluative morphemes in Italian 169
- Chapter 8. Conclusions 186
- Bibliography 188
- Subject index 215
