The role of functional heads in syntactic change

Egedi, Barbara and Hegedűs, Veronika (2022) The role of functional heads in syntactic change. In: Functional Heads Across Time: Syntactic Reanalysis and Change. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp. 1-18. ISBN 9780198871538

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Abstract

This introductory chapter presents an overview on how formal syntactic studies interact with the theory of grammaticalization. Making a clear distinction between changes in the lexical and in the functional domains, the study focuses on the role of functional hierarchies, extended projections, and syntactic phases in structural changes, specifically in grammaticalization and reanalysis. These general considerations are connected to the case studies addressed in the subsequent chapters of the book. The problem of what syntactic changes are possible, predictable, or impossible is also addressed from various perspectives including the issues of unidirectionality and economy principles. Finally, a brief summary of each chapter of the volume is given, presenting their major assumptions and claims.

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