University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Conventionalization of grammatical anomolies through linearization

Ross, Daniel

Content Files
SLS2018-01Ross.pdf

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/102155

Description

Title
Conventionalization of grammatical anomolies through linearization
Author(s)
Ross, Daniel
Issue Date
2018
Keyword(s)
  • Linguistics
  • Syntax
  • prenomical adjectives
  • grammaticality illusions
  • diachrony
  • syntactic amalgam
  • synchrony
Date of Ingest
2018-12-10T20:03:03Z
Abstract
This article explores the diachronic influence of linear form in the grammaticalization of new constructions, especially those with distinctive functional and structural properties. For example, it is shown that the coordination of prenominal adjectives without an overt conjunction in English (relevant, interesting research) is due to reanalysis of an original historical structure expressing a modification relationship (tall young man). Examples of this type are discussed in the context of grammaticality illusions, where speakers parse structures and meanings other than intended by the speaker or when the blending of two grammatical constructions produces a syntactic amalgam. Diachronic changes based on linear form thus enter the grammar as exceptional but conventionalized constructions. The paper emphasizes the need to consider surface form as well as structure and meaning in both diachronic and synchronic analysis.
Publisher
Studies in the Linguistic Sciences: Illinois Working Papers
Type of Resource
text
Genre of Resource
Article
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/102155

Owning Collections

Studies in the Linguistic Sciences: Illinois Working Papers PRIMARY
The online working papers of the UIUC Department of Linguistics