Chapter 1. The dynamics of insubordination
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Nicholas Evans
Abstract
This chapter has a triple function, as an introduction to the phenomenon of insubordination with particular exemplification from the Australian language Kayardild, a review article drawing together the last decade of research on the topic, and a reasoned synthesis of the chapters comprising this volume, organised around a number of interwoven thematic strands.Insubordination, we argue, is a key site for understanding the dynamic and constant interplay of parole and langue, i.e. of actual spoken data in discourse on the one hand, and grammatical models used by speakers (or grammarians) on the other. It is also a prime example of the benefits that can be reaped by seeing the sentences that underlie utterances as collaboratively constructed during dyadic interaction.Since the typological survey and initial model of insubordination put forward by Evans (2007), many studies have extended our empirical coverage of the phenomenon in the languages of the world, found new functions for structures originating through insubordination, or challenged aspects of the original model. Particularly important have been the development of improved mechanisms for representing constructional meaning, increasing attention to the grammar of interaction and actual conversational data, better incorporation of prosody into our models of syntax and conversation, and the use of corpora of actual rather than elicited speech. All these trends have enriched our understanding of the variety of functions that insubordination can discharge, and the embedding of its evolution in actual conversational practice. Once such functions are taken into account, insubordination ceases to be seen as an odd and marginal aberration, and instead appears as a typologically widespread consequence of speakers’ search for formal means of embedding their utterances in the wider discourse, whether dyadic or narrative.
Abstract
This chapter has a triple function, as an introduction to the phenomenon of insubordination with particular exemplification from the Australian language Kayardild, a review article drawing together the last decade of research on the topic, and a reasoned synthesis of the chapters comprising this volume, organised around a number of interwoven thematic strands.Insubordination, we argue, is a key site for understanding the dynamic and constant interplay of parole and langue, i.e. of actual spoken data in discourse on the one hand, and grammatical models used by speakers (or grammarians) on the other. It is also a prime example of the benefits that can be reaped by seeing the sentences that underlie utterances as collaboratively constructed during dyadic interaction.Since the typological survey and initial model of insubordination put forward by Evans (2007), many studies have extended our empirical coverage of the phenomenon in the languages of the world, found new functions for structures originating through insubordination, or challenged aspects of the original model. Particularly important have been the development of improved mechanisms for representing constructional meaning, increasing attention to the grammar of interaction and actual conversational data, better incorporation of prosody into our models of syntax and conversation, and the use of corpora of actual rather than elicited speech. All these trends have enriched our understanding of the variety of functions that insubordination can discharge, and the embedding of its evolution in actual conversational practice. Once such functions are taken into account, insubordination ceases to be seen as an odd and marginal aberration, and instead appears as a typologically widespread consequence of speakers’ search for formal means of embedding their utterances in the wider discourse, whether dyadic or narrative.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Map ix
- Author affiliations xi
- Chapter 1. The dynamics of insubordination 1
- Chapter 2. On insubordination and cooptation 39
- Chapter 3. Running in the family 65
- Chapter 4. Independent si -clauses in Spanish 89
- Chapter 5. Revisiting the functional typology of insubordination 113
- Chapter 6. Insubordinated conditionals in spoken and non-spoken Italian 145
- Chapter 7. Insubordination in the Tsezic Languages 171
- Chapter 8. Ordinary insubordination as transient discourse 183
- Chapter 9. Insubordination and the establishment of genealogical relationship across Eurasia 209
- Chapter 10. Insubordination in Japanese diachronically 247
- Chapter 11. Insubordination in Aleut 283
- Chapter 12. Insubordination in Sliammon Salish 309
- Chapter 13. Insubordination in interaction 341
- Chapter 14. How fascinating! Insubordinate exclamations 367
- Chapter 15. Routes to insubordination 393
- Language Index 423
- Author Index 425
- Subject Index 429
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Map ix
- Author affiliations xi
- Chapter 1. The dynamics of insubordination 1
- Chapter 2. On insubordination and cooptation 39
- Chapter 3. Running in the family 65
- Chapter 4. Independent si -clauses in Spanish 89
- Chapter 5. Revisiting the functional typology of insubordination 113
- Chapter 6. Insubordinated conditionals in spoken and non-spoken Italian 145
- Chapter 7. Insubordination in the Tsezic Languages 171
- Chapter 8. Ordinary insubordination as transient discourse 183
- Chapter 9. Insubordination and the establishment of genealogical relationship across Eurasia 209
- Chapter 10. Insubordination in Japanese diachronically 247
- Chapter 11. Insubordination in Aleut 283
- Chapter 12. Insubordination in Sliammon Salish 309
- Chapter 13. Insubordination in interaction 341
- Chapter 14. How fascinating! Insubordinate exclamations 367
- Chapter 15. Routes to insubordination 393
- Language Index 423
- Author Index 425
- Subject Index 429
