Explaining Language Structure through Systems Interaction
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
2021. Functional Domains, Functions, and the Notion of Complexity: The Systems of Reference. Frontiers in Communication 6
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt
2021. Typology of functional domains. In Linguistic Categories, Language Description and Linguistic Typology [Typological Studies in Language, 132], ► pp. 101 ff.
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt
2022. Toward a functional typology of adpositions: theoretical implications. Folia Linguistica 56:1 ► pp. 123 ff.
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt
2022. Meaning encoded in the grammatical system: a rejoinder. Folia Linguistica 56:2 ► pp. 461 ff.
Mettouchi, Amina
2018. The Interaction of state, prosody and linear order in Kabyle (Berber). In Afroasiatic [Current Issues in Linguistic Theory, 339], ► pp. 261 ff.
Mettouchi, Amina & Valentina Schiattarella
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.
Abraham, Werner & Elisabeth Leiss
2017. Multiple case binding – The principled underspecification of case exponency. In Contrastive Studies in Verbal Valency [Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today, 237], ► pp. 28 ff.
Frajzyngier, Zygmunt & Amina Mettouchi
2015. Functional domains and cross-linguistic comparability. In Corpus-based Studies of Lesser-described Languages [Studies in Corpus Linguistics, 68], ► pp. 257 ff.
Singer, Ruth
2015. Review of Kilarski (2013): Nominal classification: a history of its study from the classical period to the present. Studies in Language 39:1 ► pp. 245 ff.
Howe, Chad
2010. Review of López-Couso & Seoane (2008): Rethinking grammaticalization: New perspectives. Studies in Language 34:1 ► pp. 195 ff.
Pawlak, Nina
2010. Języki afrykańskie,
Pawlak, Nina
2015. Wkład afrykanistyki do rozwoju ogólnej teorii językoznawstwa. In Orientalistyka. Rozważania o nauce,
This list is based on CrossRef data as of 28 september 2024. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.
Subjects
Linguistics
Main BIC Subject
CFK: Grammar, syntax
Main BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General