1st Edition

The Formal Grammar of Switch-Reference

By Daniel L Finer Copyright 1985
    232 Pages
    by Routledge

    230 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book studies the syntax of switch-reference and its implications for the theory of grammar. Switch-reference, found in many genetically and geographically diverse languages, is a phenomenon whereby referential identity between subjects of hierarchically adjacent clauses is encoded by the presence of a morpheme, usually suffixed to the verb of the subordinate clause. This book argues that switch-reference should be analysed as a syntactic rather than a purely pragmatic or functional feature of language.

    1. Introductory Remarks  2. The Syntactic Nature of Switch-Reference  3. Inclusive Reference and Switch-Reference  4. Anticipatory Subjects  5. Related and Residual Topics

    Biography

    Finer, Daniel L