Neo-Firthian Approaches to Linguistic Typology

This book explores the potential mutual enrichments of linguistic typology and Neo-Firthian theories, offering a programmatic and Neo-Firthian-informed typological investigation. It identifies the inadequacies of dominant approaches and shows how a Neo-Firthian framework can overcome them. Case studies illustrate this argument, focusing on grammatical relations, noun phrases, complex sentence constructions, optional case marking, and grammatical classification.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

Neo-Firthian theories, encompassing Systemic Functional Linguistics and its counterparts, stand out among functionally oriented theories by their limited engagement with linguistic typology and their limited influence on the broader discipline. This book presents a programmatic and Neo-Firthian-informed typological investigation aimed at exploring potential synergies between linguistic typology and Neo-Firthian theories. Firstly, this book identifies the shortcomings of the dominant "atheoretical approaches to linguistic typology" and demonstrates how these limitations can be overcome by establishing a strong foundation in a Neo-Firthian theoretical framework. Secondly, it argues that Neo-Firthian approaches must accord typology significant importance as a criterion of theoretical adequacy, encompassing the comprehensive examination of grammatical phenomena and their diverse manifestations across languages, as well as the recognition of universal features. Through a series of case studies, this book illustrates this argument by showcasing a selection of grammatical phenomena, particularly focusing on grammatical relations, noun phrases, complex sentence constructions, optional case marking, and grammatical classification. This book will appeal to typologists, as well as linguistics engaged in Systemic Functional Linguistics and other functional theories.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 177 x 254 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781796672