Verbal Complexes (Current Studies in Linguistics) (Current Studies in Linguistics (34)) (Volume 34)

Unravel the intricate world of verbal complexes with Hilda Koopman and Anna Szabolcsi's groundbreaking work, "Verbal Complexes (Current Studies in Linguistics, Volume 34)," published by The MIT Press in 2000. This seminal text offers a unified and insightful analysis of restructuring constructions in Hungarian, Dutch, and German, languages known for their complex verb structures. Koopman and Szabolcsi challenge traditional approaches by proposing a novel framework centered on overt phrasal movement, arguing that variations in word order stem from the differing sizes of constituents undergoing pied-piping during movement. This book delves deep into the fascinating restructuring verb patterns observed in Hungarian, contrasting them with the more familiar arrangements in Dutch and German. Traditionally, these patterns have been interpreted as involving varying degrees of movementno movement (or covert movement), phrasal movement, and head movement, respectively. However, Koopman and Szabolcsi advocate for a more cohesive explanation. They meticulously construct an analysis where a uniform set of features are checked across all three word orders, all feature checking is achieved via overt movement, and all three types of constructions involve phrasal movement. This innovative approach simplifies the understanding of these complex grammatical structures. Beyond establishing a unified theoretical foundation, "Verbal Complexes" meticulously addresses the significant cross-linguistic variation between Hungarian, Dutch, and German. The authors convincingly argue that these differences arise from the extent of pied-pipingthe process where a constituent carries along other elements during movementoffering a refined perspective on the nuances of each language. This book is not just a theoretical exploration; it presents a wealth of empirical data and detailed linguistic analysis. One of its significant contributions is the first systematic description of Hungarian complex verbs, a previously under-explored area of linguistic research. Furthermore, the book provides a comprehensive comparison of West-Germanic languages (Dutch and German) and Hungarian, illuminating both the shared underlying principles and the language-specific characteristics that shape their verbal complexes. Whether you're a seasoned linguist, a graduate student specializing in syntax or comparative linguistics, or simply a language enthusiast eager to expand your knowledge, "Verbal Complexes" offers invaluable insights. It challenges conventional wisdom, provides a powerful new framework for understanding restructuring constructions, and opens doors to further research in this captivating area of language study. The authors' meticulous research and clear, accessible writing style make this book an essential addition to any linguistics library. The ISBN-13 is 9780262611541 and the ISBN-10 is 0262611546.