The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
In this paper we restrict, in favour of X constituents, the role played by VN in a functional syntax. More specifically, we suggest that the element central to the formulation of synchronic and diachronic expression rules is the focusbearing constituent, that is, X-not VN-in languages that show ful...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Universidad de Zaragoza
1997-12-01
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| Series: | Miscelánea: A Journal of English and American Studies |
| Online Access: | https://papiro.unizar.es/ojs/index.php/misc/article/view/11292 |
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| Summary: | In this paper we restrict, in favour of X constituents, the role played by VN in a functional syntax. More specifically, we suggest that the element central to the formulation of synchronic and diachronic expression rules is the focusbearing constituent, that is, X-not VN-in languages that show full or partial OV morphosyntax. We comment on the inadequacy of the V2 Rule and formulate a hypothetical description and explanation of Old English passive constructions: we shall speak of "unmarked topic" whenever this pragmatic function is assigned to a constituent that does not occupy clauseinitial position and of unmaJked focus whenever this function is assigned to the constituent that lies in inter-verbal position, clause-initial, second and final position. This explanation is consistent with the pragmatic mode advanced by Bossuyt (1985: 15ft) and Tejada (1988: 83ff) and with the explanations for OE constituent order put forward by Dik (1980: 153) and Bossuyt (1985: 27). We find points of convergence with Bean (1983: 136) as well. We also put forward the hypothesis that a markedness hierarchy as regards pragmatic function assignment may be proposed, whose validity we try to demonstrate.
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| ISSN: | 1137-6368 2386-4834 |