Toward a diachronic typology of relative clause
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T. Givón
Abstract
A diachronic typology of relative clauses points toward two major pathways towards embedded (restrictive) REL-clauses. The first starts from chained (conjoined) clauses, the second from parenthetical non-restrictive RELclauses. In both pathways, embedded (restrictive) REL-clauses start their life as paratactic clauses under their own separate intonation contour. In both pathways, the first step in creating a complex embedded construction is merger of the erstwhile separate intonation contours of main and subordinate clause. Other dimensions of REL-clause typology, such as nominalization, demonstrative pronouns, zero anaphora, etc. intersect with these two diachronic pathways. The synchronic syntactic properties of REL-clauses are to a large extent predictable from their diachronic source, so that universals of grammar are fundamentally developmental, expressing themselves through emergence. Keywords: REL-clauses; diachronic typology; universals of grammar
Abstract
A diachronic typology of relative clauses points toward two major pathways towards embedded (restrictive) REL-clauses. The first starts from chained (conjoined) clauses, the second from parenthetical non-restrictive RELclauses. In both pathways, embedded (restrictive) REL-clauses start their life as paratactic clauses under their own separate intonation contour. In both pathways, the first step in creating a complex embedded construction is merger of the erstwhile separate intonation contours of main and subordinate clause. Other dimensions of REL-clause typology, such as nominalization, demonstrative pronouns, zero anaphora, etc. intersect with these two diachronic pathways. The synchronic syntactic properties of REL-clauses are to a large extent predictable from their diachronic source, so that universals of grammar are fundamentally developmental, expressing themselves through emergence. Keywords: REL-clauses; diachronic typology; universals of grammar
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- map vii
- Introduction ix
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Part I. Diachrony, typology, and theory
- Toward a diachronic typology of relative clause 3
- The evolution of language and elaborateness of grammar 27
- Some issues in the linking between syntax and semantics in relative clauses 47
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Part II. Uto-Aztecan
- Relative clauses and nominalizations in Yaqui 67
- On relative clauses and related constructions in Yaqui 97
- From demonstrative to relative marker to clause linker 127
- Functional underpinnings of diachrony in relative clause formation 147
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Part III. Elsewhere in the Americas
- Clauses as noun modifiers in Toba (Guaycuruan) 173
- Between headed and headless relative clauses 191
- Relative clauses in Seri 213
- Relative clauses in Gavião of Rondônia 243
- Relative clauses in Yucatec Maya 253
- Questionable relatives 269
- Language and language family index 301
- Name index 303
- Subject index 305
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- map vii
- Introduction ix
-
Part I. Diachrony, typology, and theory
- Toward a diachronic typology of relative clause 3
- The evolution of language and elaborateness of grammar 27
- Some issues in the linking between syntax and semantics in relative clauses 47
-
Part II. Uto-Aztecan
- Relative clauses and nominalizations in Yaqui 67
- On relative clauses and related constructions in Yaqui 97
- From demonstrative to relative marker to clause linker 127
- Functional underpinnings of diachrony in relative clause formation 147
-
Part III. Elsewhere in the Americas
- Clauses as noun modifiers in Toba (Guaycuruan) 173
- Between headed and headless relative clauses 191
- Relative clauses in Seri 213
- Relative clauses in Gavião of Rondônia 243
- Relative clauses in Yucatec Maya 253
- Questionable relatives 269
- Language and language family index 301
- Name index 303
- Subject index 305
