Contrast and Representations in Syntax

This book explores the representation of grammatical oppositions in natural languages, focusing on the dual role of features as paradigmatic contrasts and building blocks of syntactic structures. It investigates connections between the morphological system and syntax, suggesting a new role for featural contrast in syntactic theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2020
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate realm of grammatical oppositions, such as the contrast between present and past tense, and uncovers the fascinating ways in which these oppositions are encoded in the syntax of natural languages. The study of syntactic contrast revolves around a fundamental question in generative syntactic theory: what aspects of syntax are universal, and what are subject to variation? The chapters within this volume explore the dual role of features, which not only delineate a range of paradigmatic contrasts but also serve as the building blocks of syntactic structures and the engines that drive syntactic operations. In these two critical roles, features have emerged as the focal point of parametric variation, leading to a reevaluation of their significance in syntactic theory.

By identifying parameters with features, this book opens up a wealth of new possibilities for investigating the intricate connections between a language's morphological system and its syntax. It suggests a novel perspective on featural contrast, highlighting its role in shaping the dynamics of language structure and behavior. The contributors to this volume approach these two central questions from diverse angles, drawing upon data from a wide range of typologically diverse languages, including Blackfoot, Greek, Onondaga, and Scottish Gaelic.

Through their insightful analyses and innovative approaches, the authors shed light on the complex interplay between features, syntactic structures, and language variation. They offer valuable insights into the mechanisms that govern the construction of sentences, the encoding of grammatical relations, and the development of linguistic typology. This book is a must-read for scholars and students interested in syntax, linguistics, and the broader field of language studies, as it provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the dynamic nature of grammatical oppositions and their representation in natural languages.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198817932