The Syntax of Early English
The Syntax of Early English
Olga Fischer, Universiteit van Amsterdam
Ans van Kemenade, Universiteit van Amsterdam
Willem Koopman, Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Wim van der Wurff, Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, The Netherlands
Ans van Kemenade, Universiteit van Amsterdam
Willem Koopman, Katholieke Universiteit Nijmegen, The Netherlands
Wim van der Wurff, Rijksuniversiteit Leiden, The Netherlands
January 2001
Available
Paperback
9780521556262
This book is a guide to the development of English syntax between the Old and Modern periods. Beginning with an overview of the main features of early English syntax, it gives a unified account of the significant grammatical changes that occurred during this period. Four leading experts demonstrate how these changes can be explained in terms of grammatical theory and the theory of language acquisition. Drawing on a wealth of empirical data, the book covers a wide range of topics including changes in word order, infinitival constructions and grammaticalization processes.
- First guide in the series: offers a detailed analysis of the development of early English syntax
- Provides case studies based on the authors' own research - empirical data
- Represents the co-operation of four leading experts in English Historical Syntax
Reviews & endorsements
'This book is amongst the most coherent discussions of central 'problems' in the processes of change in the syntax of English yet published.' The Linguist
Product details
January 2001Paperback
9780521556262
360 pages
229 × 152 × 19 mm
0.48kg
16 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Language change and grammar change
- 2. An outline of Old English syntax
- 3. An outline of Middle English syntax
- 4. The Verb Second constraint and its loss
- 5. The loss of object-verb word order
- 6. Verb-particles in Old and Middle English
- 7. Changes in infinitival constructions
- 8. The history of the 'easy to please' construction
- 9. Grammaticalization and grammar change.
