Explaining Language Structure through Systems Interaction
Authors
This book proposes a framework for describing languages through the description of relationships among lexicon, morphology, syntax, and phonology. The framework is based on the notion of formal coding means; the principle of functional transparency; the notion of functional domains; and the notion of systems interaction in the coding of functional domains. The study is based on original analyses of cross-linguistic data.
The fundamental finding of the study is that different languages may code different functional domains, which must be discovered by analyzing the formal means available in each language. The first part of the book proposes a methodology for discovering functional domains and the second part describes the properties of various functional domains.
The book presents new cross-linguistic analyses of theoretical issues including agreement; phenomena attributed to government; nominal classification; prerequisites for and implications of linear order coding; and defining characteristics of lexical categories.
The study also contributes new analyses of specific problems in individual languages.
[Typological Studies in Language, 55] 2003. xviii, 309 pp.
Publishing status: Available
© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Table of Contents
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Acknowledgments | p. xiii
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Abbreviations | p. xiv
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1. Introduction: Theoretical and methodological foundations | pp. 1–36
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2. Interaction of the lexicon with other coding means | pp. 37–56
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3. Coding through linear order | pp. 57–88
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4. Coding through nominal inflection | pp. 89–113
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5. Interaction of phonology with other coding means | pp. 115–151
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6. Agreement, or coding on other constituents | pp. 153–168
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7. Interaction of nominal classification with other coding means | pp. 169–181
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8. Matrix clause coding | pp. 183–210
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9. Determining the function of a linguistic form: The indirectly affected argument and the external possessor | pp. 211–231
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10. Systems interaction in the coding of locative predication | pp. 233–246
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11. Systems interaction in the coding of reference | pp. 247–282
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12. Conclusions, implications, and open questions | pp. 283–288
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Notes | pp. 289–290
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Index of authors | pp. 301–302
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Index of languages | pp. 303–304
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Index of subjects | pp. 305–307
“In this extremely interesting book (hereafter ELS), the authors present a resolutely inductive, empiricist framework for understanding language structure and function. [...] ELS is highly recommended for typologists and syntacticians. Formalists, functionalists, and typologists will all find much to disagree with, but in most cases it will be an educational experience. [...] The strength of ELS lie in its fundamental principles, and in the series of impressive analyses which serve to illustrate the application of these principles.”
Scott DeLancey, University of Oregon, in Functions of Language 14:2, 2007
“It is a pleasure to read a theoretical book where theory serves our understanding of languages rather than vice versa. The book challenges one to think about the basic architecture of language and recommends itself as stimulating and thought-provoking reading for typologists, descriptive linguists, and for anyone dealing with issues of morphological and syntactic theory.”
Matti Miestamo, University of Helsinki, in Studies in Language 30(3), 2006
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Frajzyngier, Zygmunt
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Frajzyngier, Zygmunt
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Frajzyngier, Zygmunt
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Frajzyngier, Zygmunt & Amina Mettouchi
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Howe, Chad
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Mettouchi, Amina
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2018. Chapter 10. The influence of the state distinction on word order and information structure in Kabyle and Siwi (Berber). In Information Structure in Lesser-described Languages [Studies in Language Companion Series, 199], ► pp. 265 ff.
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2024. We have to ensure that… A contrastive corpus-based analysis of English situation manipulators and their Polish translation equivalents. Lingua 302 ► pp. 103702 ff.
Wan, Guangrong & Yuehai Xiao
2020. Frajzyngier, Zygmunt & Erin Shay. 2016. The role of functions in syntax: A unified approach to language
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. Studies in Language 44:1 ► pp. 270 ff.
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Subjects
Linguistics
Main BIC Subject
CFK: Grammar, syntax
Main BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General