Word grammar, unification, and the syntax of Italian clitics
Modern linguistics is currently replete with competing theories, all with differing goals and intentions. This is not an altogether desirable situation. The aim of this thesis is to develop one of these theories, namely Word Grammar (Hudson 1984a), with this in mind. After an exposition of the theory, which should leave the reader with a clearer idea of the workings of the theory of Word Grammar, I will be concerned to put the intuitions behind the theory on as formal a footing as possible. This will involve the development of yet another formalism. However, this formalisation will involve the use of standard techniques. Extensions to the grammar, where necessary, shall be made with devices now current in the field such as Unification. In such a way, I hope to bring Word Grammar more into line with other formalisms, thus aiding a convergence rather than a divergence of theories. As part of the test for this new formalism it will then be applied to the problem of clitic placement in Italian.
Volino, Massimo Salvatore
Word grammar, unification, and the syntax of Italian clitics. Modern linguistics is currently replete with competing theories, all with differing goals and intentions. This is not an altogether desirable situation. The aim of this thesis is to develop one of these theories, namely Word Grammar (Hudson 1984a), with this in mind. After an exposition of the theory, which should leave the reader with a clearer idea of the workings of the theory of Word Grammar, I will be concerned to put the intuitions behind the theory on as formal a footing as possible. This will involve the development of yet another formalism. However, this formalisation will involve the use of standard techniques. Extensions to the grammar, where necessary, shall be made with devices now current in the field such as Unification. In such a way, I hope to bring Word Grammar more into line with other formalisms, thus aiding a convergence rather than a divergence of theories. As part of the test for this new formalism it will then be applied to the problem of clitic placement in Italian.
word_grammar unification syntax italian clitics modern_linguistics currently replete compete theory differ goal intention altogether desirable situation aim_develop theory namely word_grammar hudson mind exposition theory leave reader clearer idea working theory word_grammar concerned put intuition behind theory formal footing possible involve development yet another formalism however formalisation involve use standard technique grammar necessary shall make device current field unification way hope bring word_grammar line formalism thus aid convergence rather divergence theory part test new formalism apply problem clitic placement italian