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The Syntax and Semantics of Split Constructions

A Comparative Study

A Butler author E Mathieu author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Palgrave USA

Published:7th Apr '04

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Syntax and Semantics of Split Constructions cover

Split constructions are very widespread in natural languages. The separation of the semantic restriction of a quantifier from that quantifier is a typical example of such a construction. This study addresses the problem that such discontinuous strings exhibit a number of locality constraints, including intervention effects. These are shown to follow from the interaction of a minimalist syntax with a semantics that directly assigns a model-theoretic interpretation to syntactic logical forms. The approach is shown to have wide empirical coverage and a conceptual simplicity. The book will be of interest to scholars and advanced students of syntax and semantics.

'Butler and Mathieu argue persuasively that many apparently far-flung

constructions belong together under the rubric of 'split construction'.

Their generalizations are provocative and well-supported, and the theory

is firmly grounded in Predicate Logic with Barriers, a dynamic logic that

provides a fresh perspective on ideas and generalizations that have been,

and continue to be, central to syntactic and semantic theory.' - Christopher Potts, Department of Linguistics, University of Massachusetts

ISBN: 9781403921123

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 425g

223 pages

2004 ed.