Publications

Publication details [#20426]

Hyman, Larsy M. 1984. Form and subtance in language universals. In Collier, René. Some physiological and perceptual contrasts on tonal systems. In : 237–247. : 67–85.
Publication type
Article in book
Publication language
English

Annotation

Concerning the dichotomy between `internal' vs. `external' explanations for language universals, H. argues that the totality of language can be accounted for only by a combination of both types of explanation. The argument is supported by a discussion of phonological processes that have their origin in natural phonetic processes (e.g. nasalization), and of the phenomenon of the grammaticalization of pragmatic notions (e.g. focus).