Optimality-Theoretic Syntax (Language, Speech, and Communication) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 026262138X ISBN 13: 9780262621380

Publisher: MIT Press, 2001

Synopsis

Recent work in theoretical syntax has revealed the strong explanatory power of the notions of economy, competition, and optimization. Building grammars entirely upon these elements, Optimality Theory syntax provides a theory of universal grammar with a formally precise and strongly restricted theory of universal typology: cross-linguistic variation arises exclusively from the conflict among universal principles.Beginning with a general introduction to Optimality Theory syntax, this volume provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art, as represented by the work of the leading developers of the theory. The broad range of topics treated includes morphosyntax (case, inflection, voice, and cliticization), the syntax of reference (control, anaphora, and pronominalization), the gammar of clauses (complementizers and their absence), and grammatical and discourse effects in word order. Among the theoretical themes running throughout are the interplay between faithfulness and markedness, and various questions of typology and of inventory. Contributors Peter Ackema, Judith Aissen, Eric Bakovic, Joan Bresnan, Hye-Won Choi, Joao Costa, Jane Grimshaw, Edward Keer, Geraldine Legendre, Gereon Muller, Ad Neeleman, Vieri Samek-Lodovici, Peter Sells, Margaret Speas, Sten Vikner, Colin Wilson, Ellen Woolford

About this title

Synopsis

A comprehensive overview of current research on Optimality Theory syntax by the leading developers of the theory. Recent work in theoretical syntax has revealed the strong explanatory power of the notions of economy, competition, and optimization. Building grammars entirely upon these elements, Optimality Theory syntax provides a theory of universal grammar with a formally precise and strongly restricted theory of universal typology: cross-linguistic variation arises exclusively from the conflict among universal principles. Beginning with a general introduction to Optimality Theory syntax, this volume provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the art, as represented by the work of the leading developers of the theory. The broad range of topics treated includes morphosyntax (case, inflection, voice, and cliticization), the syntax of reference (control, anaphora, and pronominalization), the gammar of clauses (complementizers and their absence), and grammatical and discourse effects in word order. Among the theoretical themes running throughout are the interplay between faithfulness and markedness, and various questions of typology and of inventory.

About the Author

Geraldine Legendre is Professor of Cognitive Science at Johns Hopkins University and a preeminent syntactician of French. Jane Grimshaw is Professor of Linguistics and Vice Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University. Sten Vikner is Assistant Professor of Linguistics and of German Linguistics at the University of Stuttgart.

About this edition

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 026262138X
• ISBN 13: 9780262621380
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 569
• Editor: Legendre Geraldine, Grimshaw Jane, Vikner Sten