Title: Non-Canonical English Syntax
Subtitle: Concepts, Methods, and Approaches
Series Title: Studies in English Language
Publication Year: 2025

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
http://www.cambridge.org/linguistics
Book URL: https://www.cambridge.org/universitypress/subjects/languages-linguistics/grammar-and-syntax/non-canonical-english-syntax-concepts-methods-and-approaches?format=HB&isbn=9781108836128

Editor(s): Sven Leuckert and Teresa Pham

Hardback ISBN: 9781108836128 Pages: 364 Price: U.K. £ 115.00
Hardback ISBN: 9781108836128 Pages: 364 Price: Europe EURO 134.22
Hardback ISBN: 9781108836128 Pages: 364 Price: U.S. $ 150.00

Abstract:

The term non-canonical syntax generally refers to deviations from 'typical' word order. These represent a fascinating phenomenon in natural language use. With contributions from a team of renowned scholars, this book presents a range of case-studies on non-canonical syntax across historical, register-based, and non-native varieties of English. Each chapter investigates a different non-canonical construction and assesses to what extent it can be called 'non-canonical' in a theory-based and frequency-based understanding of non-canonical syntax. A range of state-of-the-art methodologies are used, highlighting that an empirical approach to non-canonical syntactic constructions is particularly fruitful. An introduction, a synopsis, a terminological chapter, and three section introductions frame the case studies and present overviews of the theory behind non-canonical syntax and previous work, while also illustrating open questions and opportunities for future research. The volume is essential reading for advanced students of English grammar and researchers working on non-canonical syntax and syntactic variation. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Written In: English (eng)