Chapter 4 Variation and change in comparative structures as an interaction of language internal and language external factors: Evidence from Asia Minor Greek
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Dimitra Melissaropoulou
Abstract
This chapter addresses variation and change in the realization of comparative constructions of superiority in the light of the evidence provided by Cappadocian Greek dialectal variation. A thorough analysis of intra-dialectal variation reveals that different sub-varieties represent different stages of the change under investigation. Moreover, while the tendency towards replacement of the synthetic constructions by analytic ones is mainly internally motivated cross-cutting the various dialectal forms, its realization, i.e., the specific form it will take may be heavily influenced by the language contact factor. Furthermore, data reveal that the examination of constituents’ order may play a decisive role in accounting for this innovation. Generalizing, we propose that the constituents’ order replication may serve as a diagnostic tool for the account of a linguistic phenomenon as primarily contact-induced and not as resulting solely from intra-linguistic mechanisms. Lastly, based on data from Cappadocian Greek, we suggest that contrary to what is usually the case for the vocabulary, grammatical pattern replication may precede and pave the way for the transfer and integration of grammatical elements into the replica language.
Abstract
This chapter addresses variation and change in the realization of comparative constructions of superiority in the light of the evidence provided by Cappadocian Greek dialectal variation. A thorough analysis of intra-dialectal variation reveals that different sub-varieties represent different stages of the change under investigation. Moreover, while the tendency towards replacement of the synthetic constructions by analytic ones is mainly internally motivated cross-cutting the various dialectal forms, its realization, i.e., the specific form it will take may be heavily influenced by the language contact factor. Furthermore, data reveal that the examination of constituents’ order may play a decisive role in accounting for this innovation. Generalizing, we propose that the constituents’ order replication may serve as a diagnostic tool for the account of a linguistic phenomenon as primarily contact-induced and not as resulting solely from intra-linguistic mechanisms. Lastly, based on data from Cappadocian Greek, we suggest that contrary to what is usually the case for the vocabulary, grammatical pattern replication may precede and pave the way for the transfer and integration of grammatical elements into the replica language.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Chapter 1 Introduction: Contact-related variation and change – crossing the boundaries within and between languages 1
- Chapter 2 Language contact and language attrition: Processes and constellations 39
- Chapter 3 Two modes of contact-induced change in minority languages: Phonology and syntax vs. inflectional morphology 65
- Chapter 4 Variation and change in comparative structures as an interaction of language internal and language external factors: Evidence from Asia Minor Greek 93
- Chapter 5 Linguistic reconstruction and creole emergence: The case of Upper Guinea creoles 119
- Chapter 6 Language contact and expressives in Italian 149
- Chapter 7 Digital code play as a sign of the multicompetent self in the internet discourse of Russian speakers in Italy 169
- Chapter 8 Sociolinguistic typology and language contact in Northern Italy 199
- Chapter 9 Dialect contact and koineization in Italy 225
- Chapter 10 Sociolinguistic norms on the usage of Italian within refugee centres in Italy 255
- Subject index 275
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Chapter 1 Introduction: Contact-related variation and change – crossing the boundaries within and between languages 1
- Chapter 2 Language contact and language attrition: Processes and constellations 39
- Chapter 3 Two modes of contact-induced change in minority languages: Phonology and syntax vs. inflectional morphology 65
- Chapter 4 Variation and change in comparative structures as an interaction of language internal and language external factors: Evidence from Asia Minor Greek 93
- Chapter 5 Linguistic reconstruction and creole emergence: The case of Upper Guinea creoles 119
- Chapter 6 Language contact and expressives in Italian 149
- Chapter 7 Digital code play as a sign of the multicompetent self in the internet discourse of Russian speakers in Italy 169
- Chapter 8 Sociolinguistic typology and language contact in Northern Italy 199
- Chapter 9 Dialect contact and koineization in Italy 225
- Chapter 10 Sociolinguistic norms on the usage of Italian within refugee centres in Italy 255
- Subject index 275
