UID:
almahu_9949481539102882
Format:
1 online resource (393 p.)
ISBN:
9783110219265
,
9783110238570
Series Statement:
Topics in English Linguistics [TiEL] , 46
Content:
This groundbreaking book highlights a phonological preference, the Principle of Rhythmic Alternation, as a factor in grammatical variation and change in English from the early modern period to the present. Though frequently overlooked in earlier research, the phonetically motivated avoidance of adjacent stresses is shown to exert an influence on a wide variety of phenomena in morphology and syntax. Based on in-depth analyses of extensive electronic databases, the book presents 20 exemplary studies from different structural categories. Among them are much-debated as well as novel issues, including the double comparative worser, 'predicative only' a- adjectives, variant past participles, the placement of the degree modifier quite, the order of conjuncts in binomials, the negation of attributive adjectives and sentence adverbs, variable adverbial marking, the use or omission of the infinitive marker, and the a- prefix before - ing forms. The studies provide qualitative and quantitative evidence of the importance of rhythmic alternation in synchronic variation as well as diachronic change, without neglecting interactions with a set of competing functional tendencies. Thus, the book contributes essential aspects to the description and explanation of the phenomena considered, calling for a fundamental revision of current thinking about the interface between phonology and morphosyntax. In addition, the empirical findings are brought to bear on theoretical discussions of more general interest, yielding a critical assessment of the merits and limitations of two nonmodular linguistic theories: Optimality Theory and spreading activation models. The latter type is developed into a comprehensive conception integrating functional factors such as the Principle of Rhythmic Alternation in an overarching framework for language variation and change. The wide range of subject areas covered makes the volume essential reading and a source of inspiration for linguists with interests as diverse as the phonology-morphosyntax interface, English grammar, the history of English, functional linguistics, Optimality Theory, as well as neuro- and psycholinguistics.
Note:
Frontmatter --
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Contents --
,
Abbreviations and symbols --
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Chapter 1. Introduction --
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Chapter 2. The Principle of Rhythmic Alternation introduced --
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Chapter 3. Methodology --
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Chapter 4. Analysis of attributive structures --
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Chapter 5. Analysis of verbal and adverbial structures --
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Chapter 6. Theoretical implications --
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Chapter 7. Conclusion --
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Backmatter
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Issued also in print.
,
Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
,
In English.
In:
DGBA Backlist Complete English Language 2000-2014 PART1, De Gruyter, 9783110238570
In:
DGBA Backlist Linguistics and Semiotics 2000-2014 (EN), De Gruyter, 9783110238457
In:
DGBA Linguistics and Semiotics 2000 - 2014, De Gruyter, 9783110636970
In:
De Gruyter Mouton Backlist 2000-2015, De Gruyter, 9783110742961
In:
E-BOOK GESAMTPAKET / COMPLETE PACKAGE 2009, De Gruyter, 9783110219517
In:
E-BOOK PACKAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGES TITLES 2009, De Gruyter, 9783110219524
In:
E-BOOK PACKAGE ENGLISH LINGUISTICS 2009, De Gruyter, 9783110219548
In:
E-BOOK PAKET LINGUISTIK UND LITERATURWISSENSCHAFT 2009, De Gruyter, 9783110219470
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9783110186079
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1515/9783110219265
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110219265
URL:
https://www.degruyter.com/isbn/9783110219265
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