The Polysynthesis Parameter

ISBN-13: 9780195093087 / Angielski / Miękka / 1996 / 576 str.

Mark C. Baker

Opis

This book investigates in detail the grammar of polysynthetic languages--those with very complex verbal morphology. Baker argues that polysynthesis is more than an accidental collection of morphological processes; rather, it is a systematic way of representing predicate-argument relationships that is parallel to but distinct from the system used in languages like English. Having repercussions for many areas of syntax and related aspects of morphology and semantics, this argument results in a comprehensive picture of the grammar of polysynthetic languages. Baker draws on examples from Mohawk and certain languages of the American Southwest, Mesoamerica, Australia, and Siberia.

Recenzje

Baker's findings regarding Mohawk reflexive verbs are interesting ... this is an important book ... Almost the entire book is very readable. Baker has the ability to communicate the backbone of a linguistic argument to linguists ... I learned more about GB and Principles & Parameters from this book than I have from putatively introductory works.