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: Javier Martín Arista
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Universidad de Zaragoza 1997-12-01
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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author Javier Martín Arista
author_facet Javier Martín Arista
author_sort Javier Martín Arista
collection DOAJ
description 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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spelling doaj-art-be140fb9f79a49e5a4fd97ac407086242025-08-20T01:56:56ZengUniversidad de ZaragozaMiscelánea: A Journal of English and American Studies1137-63682386-48341997-12-011810.26754/ojs_misc/mj.199711292The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE PatternsJavier Martín Arista0Universidad de la Rioja 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. https://papiro.unizar.es/ojs/index.php/misc/article/view/11292
spellingShingle Javier Martín Arista
The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
Miscelánea: A Journal of English and American Studies
title The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
title_full The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
title_fullStr The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
title_full_unstemmed The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
title_short The Role of VN In Functional Syntax: Some OE Patterns
title_sort role of vn in functional syntax some oe patterns
url https://papiro.unizar.es/ojs/index.php/misc/article/view/11292
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