LINGUIST List 3.426

Fri 22 May 1992

Qs: OULIPO; Relative Markers; Reflexives

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Directory

1. Michael Sikillian/Annotext, OULIPO
2. Cathy Ball, Relative Markers over Time
3. Sue Blackwell, Acquisition of Reflexive Verbs

I am looking for information on OULIPO, an experimental language group
which flourished in the '60s in Paris. Members have included R. Queneau,
H. Matthews, I Calvino, and G. Perec. The group applied mathematical methods
to writing literature. There is scant information available in English, and
a small amount in French. I am particularly interested in whether their
ideas have been embodied in software or literaty theory. Thank you

Michael Sikillian
Annotext

I am working on the history of relative markers in the spoken language from
1500 onwards, in British and American English. Although there are
plenty of studies of written data, I'm having trouble finding
diachronic studies of spoken data (trial transcripts, etc.). I'm
particularly interested in the development of the standard & non-standard
variants for personal subject restrictive relatives: who, what, which,
zero, that, at, as (as in 'I know a chap as'll do it for you').
Any references will be greatly appreciated, including quantitative
synchronic studies of non-standard varieties. Thanks!

This is an enquiry on behalf of an MA student.

Can anyone provide me with references concerning the acquisition of
reflexive verbs in either English or French? The student herself is
bilingual, so publications in either language will be useful.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Sue Blackwell
School of English,
University of Birmingham, U.K.