Flexible Syntax: A Theory of Case and Arguments by Ad Neeleman, Dept. of Phonetics and Linguistics, University College London, UK Fred Weerman, Utrecht Institute of Linguistics OTS, Utrecht University, The Netherlands STUDIES IN NATURAL LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTIC THEORY Volume: 47 Most linguistic theories assume that each grammatical relation is established in a unique structural configuration. Neeleman and Weerman take issue with this view, arguing for a more flexible approach on the basis of conceptual considerations and data taken mostly, but not exclusively, from the Germanic languages. In-depth analyses of word order phenomena as well as diachronic and typological generalizations motivate a re-evaluation of the role of case in the projection of arguments. Case is shown to provide a syntactic foothold for thematic interpretation, something which is necessary in a grammar that does not allow fixed theta-positions. Thus, this study does not only offer a genuine alternative to many standard assumptions, it also explains why there should be such a thing as case in natural language. CONTENTS Preface. 1. Prologue. 2. The OV/VO Parameter. 3. Morphological Case. 4. Prepositional Complements. 5. Raising to Subject. 6. Head Marking. 7.Epilogue. References. Index. Paperback, ISBN 0-7923-7199-2, August 2001, 272 pp. EUR 48.00 / USD 44.00 / GBP 30.00 URL of this book: http://www.wkap.nl/book.htm/0-7923-7199-2 Thank you for your interest in Kluwer's books and journals. NORTH, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Kluwer Academic Publishers Order Department, PO Box 358 Accord Station, Hingham, MA 02018-0358 USA Telephone (781) 871-6600 Fax (781) 681-9045 E-Mail: kluwer@wkap.com EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA Kluwer Academic Publishers Distribution Center PO Box322 3300 AH Dordrecht The Netherlands Telephone 31-78-6392392 Fax 31-78-6546474 E-Mail: orderdept@wkap.nl