The Locus of Linguistic Variation

The Locus of Linguistic Variation PDF

Author: Constantine Lignos

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company

Published: 2018-09-06

Total Pages: 193

ISBN-13: 9027263663

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This volume explores how the patterning of surface variation can shed light on the grammatical representation of variable phenomena. The authors explore variation in several domains, addressing intra- and inter-dialectal patterns, using diverse sources of data including corpora of naturally-occurring speech and judgment studies, and drawing on lesser-studied varieties of familiar languages, such as Northwest British Englishes and varieties of Canadian French. Ultimately, the contributions serve to expand our understanding of the nature of the mental representations and abstract processes required to support variation in language. Originally published as special issue of Linguistic Variation 16:2 (2016)

Variation in Language: System- and Usage-based Approaches

Variation in Language: System- and Usage-based Approaches PDF

Author: Aria Adli

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2015-07-24

Total Pages: 321

ISBN-13: 3110384574

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Where is the locus of language variation? In the grammar, outside the grammar or somewhere in between? Taking up the debate between system- and usage-based approaches, this volume provides new discussions of fundamental issues of language variation. It includes several highly insightful theoretical contributions as well as innovative empirical studies considering different types of data, the role of priming in language change and rare phenomena.

The Dynamics of Linguistic Variation

The Dynamics of Linguistic Variation PDF

Author: Terttu Nevalainen

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing

Published: 2008-12-03

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 9027290385

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Variability is characteristic of any living language. This volume approaches the ‘life cycle’ of linguistic variability in English using data sources that range from electronic corpora to the internet. In the spirit of the 1968 Weinreich, Labov and Herzog classic, the fifteen contributions divide into three sections, each highlighting different stages in the dynamics of English across time and space. They show, first, how increase in variability can be initiated by processes that give rise to new patterns of discourse, which can ultimately crystallize into new grammatical elements. The next phase is the spread of linguistic features and patterns of discourse, both new and well established, through the social and regional varieties of English. The final phase in this ebb and flow of linguistic variability consists of processes promoting some variable features over others across registers and regional and social varieties, thus resulting in reduced variation and increased linguistic homogeneity.

Linguistic Variation

Linguistic Variation PDF

Author: Rena Torres Cacoullos

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-10-24

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 131768818X

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Linguistic Variation: Confronting Fact and Theory honors Shana Poplack in bringing together contributions from leading scholars in language variation and change. The book demonstrates how variationist methodology can be applied to the study of linguistic structures and processes. It introduces readers to variation theory, while also providing an overview of current debates on the linguistic, cognitive and sociocultural factors involved in linguistic patterning. With its coverage of a diverse range of language varieties and linguistic problems, this book offers new quantitative analyses of actual language production and processing from both top experts and emerging scholars, and presents students and practitioners with theoretical frameworks to meaningfully engage in accountable research practice.

Morphology and its Interfaces in Second Language Knowledge

Morphology and its Interfaces in Second Language Knowledge PDF

Author: Maria-Luise Beck

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing

Published: 1998-12-15

Total Pages: 399

ISBN-13: 9027281696

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This volume treats the connection between syntax and morphology with a focus on L2 acquisition. This interface has been a matter of considerable interest in theoretical circles ever since Chomsky (1994) and others argued that morphological parameters form the primary locus of cross-linguistic variation. As might be expected, generative theorists working in the area of language acquisition have responded to this argument with various analyses. L2 research is no exception: A variety of researchers have begun serious explorations on the ways in which morphology may (or may not) trigger variation not only in syntax, but also in argument structure. The volume thus brings together a concentrated research effort on the topic from an L2 perspective. The volume starts off with a comprehensive introduction to the various sub-topics and ends with an extensive index.

Language Change and Variation

Language Change and Variation PDF

Author: Ralph W. Fasold

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing

Published: 1989-01-01

Total Pages: 466

ISBN-13: 9027286078

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The study of language variation in social context continues to hold the attention of a large number of linguists. This research is promoted by the annual colloquia on New Ways of Analyzing Variation in English' (NWAVE). This volume is a selection of revised papers from the NWAVE XI, held at Georgetown University. It deals with a number of items, some of which have often been discussed, others that have been less emphasized. The first group of articles in the volume center on a frequent theme: speech communities as the essential setting for understanding variation in language. Earlier work in linguistic variation dealt for the most part with phonological variation and change. Syntactic and morphological change and variation in syntax are also discussed. A selection on the role of variation in understanding first language acquisition comprises three papers. Articles in the last section of the volume concern theoretical controversy and methodological advances.

The Limits of Syntactic Variation

The Limits of Syntactic Variation PDF

Author: Theresa Biberauer

Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing

Published: 2008-09-17

Total Pages: 521

ISBN-13: 9027290660

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Against the background of the past half century’s typological and generative work on comparative syntax, this volume brings together 16 papers considering what we have learned and may still be able to learn about the nature and extent of syntactic variation. More specifically, it offers a multi-perspective critique of the Principles and Parameters approach to syntactic variation, evaluating the merits and shortcomings of the pre-Minimalist phase of this enterprise and considering and illustrating the possibilities opened up by recent empirical and theoretical advances. Contributions focus on four central topics: firstly, the question of the locus of variation, whether the attested variation may plausibly be understood in parametric terms and, if so, what form such parameters might take; secondly, the fate of one of the most prominent early parameters, the Null Subject Parameter; thirdly, the matter of parametric clusters more generally; and finally, acquisition issues.

Linguistic Variation: Structure and Interpretation

Linguistic Variation: Structure and Interpretation PDF

Author: Ludovico Franco

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG

Published: 2019-12-16

Total Pages: 920

ISBN-13: 1501505106

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In this volume scholars honor M. Rita Manzini for her contributions to the field of Generative Morphosyntax. The essays in this book celebrate her career by continuing to explore inter-area research in linguistics and by pursuing a broad comparative approach, investigating and comparing different languages and dialects.

Linguistic Variation and Change

Linguistic Variation and Change PDF

Author: Scott F. Kiesling

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Published: 2011-04-29

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 074863763X

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The study of variation and change is at the heart of the sociolinguistics. Providing a wide survey of the field, this textbook is organised around three constraints on variation: linguistic structure, social structure and identity, and social and linguistic perception. By considering both structure and meaning, Scott F. Kiesling examines the most important issues surrounding variation theory, including canonical studies and terms as well as challenges to them.