The Polysynthesis Parameter (Oxford Studies in Comparative Syntax)

By Mark C. Baker

Book Overview

This book investigates in detail the grammar of polysynthetic languages--those with very complex verbal morphology. Baker argues that polysynthesis is more than an accidental collection of morphological processes; rather, it is a systematic way of representing predicate-argument relationships that is parallel to but distinct from the system used in languages like English. Having repercussions for many areas of syntax and related aspects of morphology and semantics, this argument results in a comprehensive picture of the grammar of polysynthetic languages. Baker draws on examples from Mohawk and certain languages of the American Southwest, Mesoamerica, Australia, and Siberia.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195093089
• ISBN13: 9780195093087
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 576 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"