A typology of non-local reflexives in the Scandinavian languages

2011 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania E. Strahan
Keyword(s):  
Relative Clause ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Second Person ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Person Pronoun ◽  
Path Constraints ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Inside Out

The Scandinavian languages are very closely related but also vary syntactically in interesting ways, making this family useful in the study of typology variation. In this paper the issue of non-local reflexives, or ‘long-distance reflexives’ (LDR) is investigated. New LDR data from the Scandinavian languages is presented to show that the Binding Conditions cannot account for the variation in LDR in these languages, since the range of domains that LDR may or may not occur in in each variety varies non-hierarchically. For instance, LDR in Icelandic may be bound out of a finite complement clause but not out of a relative clause, while the reverse is true in most Norwegian dialects. Faroese allows LDR out of both clause types, but many dialects do not allow a second person pronoun to co-occur in a sentence containing LDR, which does not generally affect Icelandic or Norwegian LDR. An extension of Dalrymple's (1993) typology of anaphora, which is set within the framework of Lexical-Functional Grammar, can account for this data, using a combination of inside-out and outside-in functional uncertainty equations, on- and off-path constraints and positive and negative constraints, all of which refer to elements (potentially) found in functional-structure.

scholarly journals Antecedent-based approach to binding in Icelandic and Faroese

Nordlyd ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 37 ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania E. Strahan
Keyword(s):  
Standard Approach ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Non Local ◽  
Inside Out

<p>This paper examines the standard approach to long-distance reflexives within the Lexical-Functional Grammar framework. This approach defines the binding relation between a reflexive and its non-local antecedent by prescribing the type of syntactic elements which must and must not occur along the path from the reflexive to its antecedent. However, evidence from the Insular Scandinavian languages suggests that the binding relation should be expressed as positive and negative constraints on the path from the antecedent to the reflexive. In other words, I suggest that long-distance reflexives in Icelandic and Faroese are governed by outside-in functional uncertainty, not inside-out functional uncertainty, as is standardly assumed.</p>

scholarly journals Gapping: A New LFG Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
Yasir Hameed Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Functional Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Modern Standard Arabic ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Standard Arabic ◽  
Modern Standard

This paper discusses gapping in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and analyzes this phenomenon through the lexical-functional grammar (LFG) framework. It argues against previous analyses of nonconstituent coordination in LFG, including those proposed by Maxwell & Manning (1996) and Frank (2002) and her followers. The main problem with those analyses is that they violate one of the well-formedness conditions in LFG, which requires the functional structure (f-structure) to be coherent. Therefore, the paper provides a new analysis of gapping in LFG, in which the deleted verb in the second conjunct is analyzed as a null verb that has a PRED value and that indicates the tense in its local clause. 

scholarly journals A Lexical-Functional Analysis of Predicate Topicalization in German

1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gert Webelhuth ◽  
Farrell Ackerman
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Original Formulation ◽  
Grammatical Function ◽  
Complex Predicates ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Lexical Representations ◽  
Idiomatic Expressions ◽  
Similarities And Differences

In this paper we examine the topicalization paradigm for ten different verbal constructions in German. We argue that a uniform explanation for the observed behaviors follows from the interpretation of the relevant expressions as (parts of) lexical representations. To this end we motivate a revision of Functional Uncertainty as proposed in Kaplan and Zaenen 1989 to account for filler/gap relations in long-distance dependencies. We assume with the original formulation of this principle that topicalized elements share values with the (grammatical) function status of an entity an indeterminate distance away. We appeal to the inventory of functions posited within LEXICAL-FUNCTIONAL GRAMMAR (LFG), inclusive of the frequently neglected PREDICATE function, which, we argue, is associated with both simple and complex predicates. In addition we show that topicalization, given this function-based proposal, should not be limited to maximal categories. We argue that the need to posit a PREDICATE function for German topicalization is supported by an independent line of research within LFG concerning the analysis of complex predicates. For this purpose we employ the proposals of T. Mohanan (1990/1994), which argue for the independence of the construct PREDICATE from its categorial realization. We show that this type of proposal extends to provide a uniform account of the German topicalization paradigm. This permits us to explain the similarities and differences in the behaviors of various sorts of predicators as well as certain idiomatic expressions interpreted as complex predicates.

Systematic mismatches: Coordination and subordination at three levels of grammar

2014 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 267-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
OLEG BELYAEV
Keyword(s):  
Speech Acts ◽  
Speech Act ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Constituent Structure ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Semantic Difference ◽  
Discourse Relations ◽  
Clause Combining

In this paper, I analyze two clause combining strategies in Ossetic that exhibit mixed properties between coordination and subordination. I argue that the ‘mismatch approach’ proposed by Culicover & Jackendoff (1997) and Yuasa & Sadock (2002) is best suited to account for their properties. However, in order to adequately describe the behavior of these constructions in terms of the mismatch approach, appealing to three levels of grammar is required instead of two levels (syntax and semantics) discussed in previous works. This provides a clear argument in favor of models of grammar such as Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG), where the syntactic level is split between constituent structure (c-structure) and functional structure (f-structure). The properties of semantic coordination and subordination that have been proposed in earlier work mostly belong to the level of f-structure, and not semantics proper. I argue that the only substantial semantic difference between coordination and adverbial subordination is that the former introduces discourse relations between speech acts, while the latter introduces asserted predicates that link two propositions within the same speech act. I provide definitions of coordination and subordination at all the three levels of grammar formalized in terms of the LFG framework, and discuss the tests that can be used for each of these levels.

scholarly journals SERIAL VERB CONSTRUCTIONS IN SASAK LANGUAGE OF MENO-MENE DIALECT: A TYPOLOGY AND LFG APPROACH

SOLID ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
Sartika Hijriati
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Motion Direction ◽  
Constituent Structure ◽  
Serial Verb Constructions ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Verb Constructions ◽  
Serial Verb ◽  
Semantic Types

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to analyze the semantic types, the characteristics, and the constituent structure and functional structure of Sasak serial verb constructions. The theory of Typology and Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG) were used to analyze the data. The data in this research were taken from the uttarances of speakers of meno-mene dialect of Sasak. This study is designed as a descriptive qualitative research. The data were collected through observation, interview, and reflective-introspective methods with recording and elicitation techniques. The results show that Sasak serial verb constructions have ten semantic types, which are motion, direction, instrument, comitative, manner, aspect and mood, benefactive, causative, cause-effect, and synonym. Based on the phonological, morphological and syntactical characteristics, Sasak serial verb constructions have the following characteristics: (1) They fall under one intonation contour, 2) They form mono-clause as a single predicate, 3) They have verb markers that occur only on one verb or each verb obtains the same marker, 4) They share aspect, mood, negation, and 5) They share the same arguments. The analysis of constituent structure and functional structure shows that Sasak serial verb constructions have V-V stucture, and X-COMP or X-ADJ structure.Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis tipe-tipe semantik, ciri-ciri, dan struktur konstituen dan struktur fungsional pada konstruksi verba serial Bahasa Sasak. Teori yang digunakan untuk menganalisis data adalah teori tipologi dan tata bahasa leksikal fungsional. Penelitian ini dirancang sebagai penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara dan introspektif-reflektif dengan teknik rekam dan pancing. Hasil analisis menunjukkan konstruksi verba serial bahasa Sasak memiliki sepuluh tipe semantik untuk menunjukkan gerakan, arah, instrumen, komitatif, kecaraan, aspek dan modal, benefaktif, kausatif, sebab-akibat, dan sinonim. Berdasarkan ciri-ciri fonologis, morfologis dan sintaksis, verba serial Bahasa Sasak memiliki ciri: 1) konstruksi verba serial Bahasa Sasak dilafalkan dalam satu intonasi, 2) konstruksi verba serial Bahasa Sasak ialah monoklausa dan berperilaku sebagai predikat tunggal, 3) pemarkah verba serial Bahasa Sasak pada salah satu atau tiap-tiap verba dengan pemarkah yang sama, 4) verba serial Bahasa Sasak berbagi aspek, modal dan negasi, dan 5) verba serial Bahasa Sasak berbagi argumen dalam konstruksinya. Analisis terhadap struktur konstituen dan struktur fungsional menunjukkan verba serial bahasa Sasak memiliki stuktur V-V dan struktur X-KOMP atau X-ADJ.Keywords: serial verb constructions, Sasak, typology, Lexical Functional Grammar

scholarly journals Information structuring in Akan question-word fronting and focus constructions

2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 179-208
Author(s):  
Charles Marfo ◽  
Adams Bodomo
Keyword(s):  
Information Structure ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Contextual Information ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
The Individual

Wh-question fronting and focus constructions in Akan have three structural characteristics in common: constituent fronting, introduction of a clitic morpheme after the fronted constituent, and pronoun resumption in a canonical clause position. In comparing these constructions to each other and to related canonical constructions, one is confronted with the question whether the same discourse-contextual information is consistently expressed in both constructions. Using the framework of Lexical-Functional Grammar, we show that both whquestion fronting and focus constructions share representations in the constituent and functional structure. Considering the individual discourse-contextual information expressed in wh-question fronting and focus constructions, as compared to the discourse-contextual information expressed in the respective in situ and canonical clause counterparts, however, we show that a variance is drawn between them in the information structure. In a further constraint-based analysis, Optimality-Theoretic LFG is used to clarify the proposals made.

Introduction

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ronald M. Kaplan ◽  
Joan Bresnan
Keyword(s):  
Argument Structure ◽  
Modular Design ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Functional Structure ◽  
Semantic Structure ◽  
Prosodic Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Constituent Structure ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Linguistic System

Modular design of grammar: Linguistics on the edge presents the cutting edge of research on linguistic modules and interfaces in Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG). LFG has a highly modular design that models the linguistic system as a set of discreet submodules that include, among others, constituent structure, functional structure, argument structure, semantic structure, and prosodic structure, with each module having its coherent properties and being related to each other by correspondence functions. The contributions in this volume represent the broad range and interconnection of theoretical, formal, and descriptive considerations that continues to be the hallmark of LFG.

Lexical-Functional Grammar: An Overview

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-172
Author(s):  
Kersti Börjars
Keyword(s):  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Linguistic Information ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Different Types ◽  
And Control

Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG) is a model for the analysis of language in which different types of linguistic information are represented in separate dimensions, each with its own formalism. These dimensions are linked by mapping principles. In this article, I describe the architecture of the model and illustrate some dimensions of information and the mapping between them in more detail. I also provide an outline of the analysis of long-distance dependencies and control to illustrate the advantages of this type of model. I briefly mention some further areas where LFG has proven to be a useful tool for analysis and provide references for the reader to follow up.

Perfectivity, telicity and Estonian verbs

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Tamm
Keyword(s):  
Functional Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Constituent Structure ◽  
Case Alternation ◽  
Verb Classes ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar ◽  
Case Marking ◽  
Case Markers

This paper discusses telicity and perfectivity in Estonian. Neither of these categories corresponds exactly to the Estonian object case alternation, which is argued to reflect predicate or clause aspectual properties and not the NP-related properties of objects. The aim of this account is to accommodate the systematic compatibility of verb classes with certain clausal aspectual object case marking patterns. The paper proposes a way of understanding the interaction between verbal and clausal aspect in terms of boundedness and formalizes it in the framework of Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG). The features of verbs and case markers determine the clausal aspect from different constituents at the syntactic level of constituent structure. The information is unified at another syntactic level, functional structure.

The Oxford Reference Guide to Lexical Functional Grammar

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Dalrymple ◽  
John J. Lowe ◽  
Louise Mycock
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Structure ◽  
Argument Structure ◽  
Semantic Representation ◽  
Morphological Structure ◽  
Functional Grammar ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Linguistic Structure ◽  
Structure Information ◽  
Lexical Functional Grammar

This is the most comprehensive reference work on Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG), which will be of interest to graduate and advanced undergraduate students, academics, and researchers in linguistics and in related fields. Covering the analysis of syntax, semantics, morphology, prosody, and information structure, and how these aspects of linguistic structure interact in the nontransformational framework of LFG, this book will appeal to readers working in a variety of sub-fields, including researchers involved in the description and documentation of languages, whose work continues to be an important part of the LFG literature The book consists of three parts. The first part examines the syntactic theory and formal architecture of LFG, with detailed explanation and comprehensive illustration, providing an unparalleled introduction to the fundamentals of the theory. The second part of the book explores nonsyntactic levels of linguistic structure, including the syntax-semantics interface and semantic representation, argument structure, information structure, prosodic structure, and morphological structure, and how these are related in the projection architecture of LFG. The third part of the book illustrates the theory more explicitly by presenting explorations of the syntax and semantics of a range of representative linguistic phenomena: modification, anaphora, control, coordination, and long-distance dependencies. The final chapter discusses LFG-based work not covered elsewhere in the book, as well as new developments in the theory.

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