Structure and Linearization in Disharmonic Word Orders
The project investigates the ramifications of a generalization which we hypothesize has universal validity: A head-final phrase cannot immediately dominate a head-initial phrase (the Final-over-Final Constraint: FOFC). In Greenbergian typology and in Principles-and-Parameters (P&P) theory the existence of grammars mixing head-final and head-initial orders poses a problem, as they are exceptions to the Greenbergian word order universals and to the directionality parameters of P&P theory. FOFC, however, is a generalization about mixed or ‘disharmonic’ systems, which, when properly formulated, makes predictions about disharmonic orders, allowing some, excluding others. Thereby it also makes predictions about language change. The objectives of the project are to
• establish the scope of FOFC by synchronic and diachronic investigation of a variety of constructions in a range of languages;
• consider the consequences of FOFC for the theory of the mapping between hierarchical structure and linear order;
• consider the consequences of FOFC for a theory of syntactic change
The project is based in two locations: Newcastle University and the University of Cambridge. The project team is Prof. Anders Holmberg (PI) and Dr. Michelle Sheehan (RA) in Newcastle, Prof. Ian Roberts (Co-I), Dr. Theresa Biberauer (Senior RA), and Dr. Glenda Newton (RA) in Cambridge.