Academic Paper |
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| Title: | No momentary fancy! The zero 'complementizer' in English dialects |
| Author: | Sali A Tagliamonte |
| Email: | click here to access email |
| Institution: | University of Toronto |
| Author: | Jennifer Smith |
| Institution: | University of Glasgow |
| Linguistic Field: | Syntax |
| Subject Language: |
English
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| Abstract: | In this paper we analyse variable presence of the complementizer that, i.e. I think that this is interesting, in a large archive of British dialects. Situating this feature within its historical development and synchronic patterning, we seek to understand the mechanism underlying the choice between that and zero. Our findings reveal that, in contrast to the diachronic record, the zero option is predominant – 91 per cent overall. Statistical analyses of competing factors operating on this feature confirm that grammaticalization processes and grammatical complexity play a role. However, the linguistic characteristics of a previously grammaticalized collocation, I think, exerts a greater effect. Its imprint is visible in multiple internal factors which constrain the zero option in the other contexts. We argue that this recurrent pattern in discourse propels the zero option through the grammar. These findings contribute to research arguing for a strong relationship between frequency and reanalysis in linguistic change. |
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This article appears in English Language and Linguistics Vol. 9, Issue 2, which you can read on Cambridge's site or on LINGUIST . View the full article for free in the current issue ofCambridge Extra Magazine! |
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