Editor for this issue: Neil Salmond <neil
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Title: Explaining Language Structure through Systems Interaction Series Title: Typological Studies in Language 55 Publication Year: 2004 Publisher: John Benjamins http://www.benjamins.com/ http://www.benjamins.nl/ Book URL: http://www.benjamins.nl/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=TSL_55 Author: Zygmunt Frajzyngier, University of Colorado Author: Erin Shay, University of Colorado Hardback: ISBN: 9027229635, Pages: xviii, 309 pp., Price: EUR 105.00 Hardback: ISBN: 1588114368, Pages: xviii, 309 pp., Price: USD 126.00 Abstract: This book proposes a framework for describing languages through the description of relationships among lexicon, morphology, syntax, and phonology. The framework is based on the notion of formal coding means; the principle of functional transparency; the notion of functional domains; and the notion of systems interaction in the coding of functional domains. The study is based on original analyses of cross-linguistic data. The fundamental finding of the study is that different languages may code different functional domains, which must be discovered by analyzing the formal means available in each language. The first part of the book proposes a methodology for discovering functional domains and the second part describes the properties of various functional domains. The book presents new cross-linguistic analyses of theoretical issues including agreement; phenomena attributed to government; nominal classification; prerequisites for and implications of linear order coding; and defining characteristics of lexical categories. The study also contributes new analyses of specific problems in individual languages. Table of contents Acknowledgments xiii Abbreviations xiv 1. Introduction: Theoretical and methodological foundations 1-36 2. Interaction of the lexicon with other coding means 37-56 3. Coding through linear order 57-88 4. Coding through nominal inflection 89-113 5. Interaction of phonology with other coding means 115-151 6. Agreement, or coding on other constituents 153-168 7. Interaction of nominal classification with other coding means 169-181 8. Matrix clause coding 183-210 9. Determining the function of a linguistic form: The indirectly affected argument and the external possessor 211-231 10. Systems interaction in the coding of locative predication 233-246 11. Systems interaction in the coding of reference 247-282 12. Conclusions, implications, and open questions 283-288 Notes 289-290 References 291-300 Index of authors 301-302 Index of languages 303-304 Index of subjects 305-307 Lingfield(s): Typology Written In: English (Language Code: English) See this book announcement on our website: http://linguistlist.org/get-book.html?BookID=8505.Mail to author|Respond to list|Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue