Text

Indefinite objects :scrambling, choice functions, and differential marking

---

A novel view of the syntax-semantics interface that analyzes the behavior of indefinite objects. In Indefinite Objects, Luis Lopez presents a novel approach to the syntax-semantics interface using indefinite noun phrases as a database. Traditional approaches map structural configurations to semantic interpretations directly; Lopez links configuration to a mode of semantic composition, with the latter yielding the interpretation. The polyvalent behavior of indefinites has long been explored by linguists who have been interested in their syntax, semantics, and case morphology, and Lopez's contribution can be seen as a synthesis of findings from several traditions. He argues, first, that scrambled indefinite objects are composed by means of Function Application preceded by Choice Function while objects in situ are composed by means of Restrict. This difference yields the different interpretive possibilities of indefinite objects. Lopez's more nuanced approach to the syntax-semantics interface turns out to be rich in empirical consequences. Second, he proposes that short scrambling also yields Differential Marking, provided that context conditions are fulfilled, while in situ objects remain unmarked. Thus, Lopez contributes to the extensive literature on Differential Object Marking by showing that syntactic configuration is a crucial factor. Lopez substantiates this approach with data from Spanish, Hindi-Urdu, Persian (Farsi), Kiswahili, Romanian, and German.OCLC-licensed vendor bibliographic record.

---

Availability

No copy data

Detail Information

Series Title

-

Call Number

-

Publisher

Cambridge : MIT Press,., 2012.

Collation

1 online resource (xi, 172 pages) :illustrations.

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0262305631

Classification

NONE

Content Type

text

Media Type

computer

Carrier Type

online resource

Edition

-

Subject(s)

Grammar, Comparative and general
Semantics.
Discourse markers.
Typology (Linguistics)

Specific Detail Info

-

Statement of Responsibility

Luis L?opez.

Other Information

Cataloger

-

Source

https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9165.001.0001?locatt=mode:legacy;http://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/forms/terms/vbrl-201703.pdf

Validator

hasyim

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.7551/mitpress/9165.001.0001

Journal Volume

-

Journal Issue

-

Subtitle

-

Parallel Title

-

Other version/related

File Attachment

Comments

---

You must be logged in to post a comment