The substance of the lexicon in a Generative Lexicon
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Christian Bassac
Abstract
In this chapter, Bassac presents and assesses a theory of the lexicon known as “the Generative Lexicon Theory”. He argues that the substance of such a lexicon can provide a neat explanatory account of the semantic and syntactic properties exhibited by middle verbs in the middle form of the transitive/middle alternation. Bassac then discusses the copredication problem raised by ambiguous deverbal event nouns and shows that this problem can be solved if each lexical entry associated with deverbal event nouns contains a type changing function. Eventually, in both cases, this lexical approach to syntactic and morphological phenomena provides support to Anderson’s basic claim that “the core of syntax is the lexicon.”
Abstract
In this chapter, Bassac presents and assesses a theory of the lexicon known as “the Generative Lexicon Theory”. He argues that the substance of such a lexicon can provide a neat explanatory account of the semantic and syntactic properties exhibited by middle verbs in the middle form of the transitive/middle alternation. Bassac then discusses the copredication problem raised by ambiguous deverbal event nouns and shows that this problem can be solved if each lexical entry associated with deverbal event nouns contains a type changing function. Eventually, in both cases, this lexical approach to syntactic and morphological phenomena provides support to Anderson’s basic claim that “the core of syntax is the lexicon.”
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Introduction 1
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Part I. Foundations and historiography
- Investigating substance-based grammar 9
- Anderson’s case grammar and the history of localism 113
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Part II. Lexicon, meaning and syntax
- The substance of the lexicon in a Generative Lexicon 201
- Entitatives and Indo-European n-stems 225
- Just for the record 261
- Figurativeness in English grammar 311
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Part III. Phonology
- Rhotics and the derhoticization of English 339
- On grounding, internalism, modularity and grammaticalization in phonology 365
- Degrees of complexity in phonological segments 385
- Language index 431
- Subject index 433
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Introduction 1
-
Part I. Foundations and historiography
- Investigating substance-based grammar 9
- Anderson’s case grammar and the history of localism 113
-
Part II. Lexicon, meaning and syntax
- The substance of the lexicon in a Generative Lexicon 201
- Entitatives and Indo-European n-stems 225
- Just for the record 261
- Figurativeness in English grammar 311
-
Part III. Phonology
- Rhotics and the derhoticization of English 339
- On grounding, internalism, modularity and grammaticalization in phonology 365
- Degrees of complexity in phonological segments 385
- Language index 431
- Subject index 433
