Symmetry Breaking in Syntax

Zusammenfassung In this illuminating new theory of grammar, Hubert Haider explores the basic asymmetry in the phrase structure of any language, whatever sentence structure it takes. He identifies a new third type of sentence structure, in addition to object-verb (OV) and verb-object (VO), and uses it to explore the cognitive evolution of grammar.

Autorentext

Hubert Haider is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Salzburg. He specializes in the theory of syntax, comparative syntax and syntax and the brain. His previous publications include The Syntax of German (Cambridge, 2010).

Klappentext

A new theory of grammar which explores the old distinction between OV and VO languages and their underlying basic asymmetry.

Inhalt

1. What breaks the symmetry in syntactic structures; 2. Linearizations are public, structures are private; 3. BBC - asymmetry in phrase structuring; 4. The cross-linguistic impact of the BBC; 5. The Germanic OV/VO split; 6. Adverbial positions in VO and in OV; 7. Elements of the third kind - resultative predicates and particles - in OV and VO; 8. Asymmetry in nominal structures - word and phrase structure; 9. BBC or LCA? - fact finding and evaluation.