The role of VN in functional syntax

• Autores: Francisco Javier Martín Arista
• Localización: Miscelánea: A journal of english and american studies, ISSN 1137-6368, ISSN-e 2386-4834, Nº 18, 1997, págs. 169-192
• Idioma: español
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• Resumen

  • In this paper we restrict, in favour of X constituents, the role played by VN in a functional syntax. More specifically, we suggest that the element central to the formulation of synchronic and diachronic expression rules is the focus-bearing constituent, that is, X--not VN--in languages that show full or partial OV morphosyntax. We comment on the inadequacy of the V2 Rule and formulate a hypothetical description and explanation of Old English passive constructions: we shall speak of "unmarked topic" whenever this pragmatic function is assigned to a constituent that does not occupy clause-initial position and of unmarked focus whenever this function is assigned to the constituent that lies in inter-verbal position, clause-initial, second and final position. This explanation is consistent with the pragmatic mode advanced by Bossuyt (1985: 15ff) and Tejada (1988: 83ff) and with the explanations for OE constituent order put forward by Dik (1980: 153) and Bossuyt (1985: 27). We find points of convergence with Bean (1983: 136) as well. We also put forward the hypothesis that a markedness hierarchy as regards pragmatic function assignment may be proposed, whose validity we try to demonstrate.