Description
Book SynopsisA clear introduction to lexical-functional grammar (LFG), this outstanding textbook sets out a formal approach to the study of language using a step-by-step approach and rich language data. Data from English and a range of other languages is used to illustrate the main concepts, allowing those students not accustomed to working with cross-linguistic data to familiarize themselves with the theory, while also enabling those interested in how the theory can account for more challenging data sets to extend their learning. Exercises ranging from simple technical questions to analyses of a data set, as well as a further resources section with a literature review complete each chapter. The book aims to equip readers with the skills to analyze new data sets and to begin to engage with the primary LFG literature.
Trade Review'This lucid and entertainingly written textbook is an excellent introduction to the theory of Lexical Functional Grammar. It presents the fundamentals of the theory in a way that is both accessible for beginners and engaging for linguists who are familiar with other frameworks.' Mary Dalrymple, University of Oxford
'… a clear and comprehensive introduction both to syntax and to the LFG framework, covering many core phenomena that have been central to syntactic analysis. Readers are skilfully guided through an impressive range of data reflecting the wide spectrum of languages.' Peter Sells, University of York
'Developed by three notable linguists who are also gifted teachers, the book distinguishes itself by its accessibility, its rich coverage of morphology and f-structure, and its up-to-date references to current research in lexical-functional grammar.' Joan Bresnan, Stanford University, California
'This is an ideal introduction to formal syntax and can also be used by practising syntacticians to familiarise themselves with the research developed within the framework of lexical-functional grammar.' Alex Alsina, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona
Table of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Dimensions of information; 3. Mapping between c-structure and f-structure; 4. Morphology and f-structure; 5. Complementation and predication; 6. Long-distance dependencies; 7. Anaphoric binding; 8. A-structure and lexical mapping theory; 9. Further topics.
