Objective The project focuses on relative clause (RC) formation in Slavic languages (for example, dialects of Slovenian, Croatian), Romance languages (mainly North Italian dialects), as well as dialects of South German. The choice is not accidental: all three language groups have interesting idiosyncratic properties as far as RC formation is concerned. Furthermore, these three language families are in contact near the region where the researcher is located. Components of the project: 1. Contrastive study of semantic/syntactic properties of RCs (relation between the head noun and RC): - Reconstruction properties; - Semantic interpretation (amount, restrictive, appositive readings); - Types of RC markers; - Extraction properties; - Extraposition and coordination; - Interaction with VP ellipsis. 2. Examination of micro-parametric variation (using criteria from 1): - The influence of Slavic, Germanic and Romance dialects on each other with respect to RC structure; - Unique properties of hybrid constructions. Part (1) consolidates new and existing data to test prevailing theories of RC formation. Part (2) forwards the development of a unified theory of RC formation, and provides a testing ground for it. Methodology: Language surveys, and grammaticality judgment tests. Overall impact: Provides new insight into the syntax of RC constructions, expands our knowledge of potential universal syntactic principles responsible for clause formation, subordination, and long distance dependencies. Educational impact: Contributes to the development of a new graduate program in Linguistics by engaging students in hands-on research. Long term (future pursuits): Contribute to the understanding of subordination, complementation, the structure of the Left Periphery, the overall interaction between syntax and semantics. Provide input to novel ways of testing models of language acquisition, comprehension, and of language disorders. All of which utilize RC data. Fields of science humanitieslanguages and literaturegeneral language studies Keywords Humanities Language Contact Linguistics Semantics Syntax Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) PEOPLE-2007-4-3.IRG - Marie Curie Action: "International Reintegration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IRG - International Re-integration Grants (IRG) Coordinator UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI EU contribution € 75 000,00 Address KRAKOWSKIE PRZEDMIESCIE 26/28 00-927 WARSZAWA Poland See on map Region Makroregion województwo mazowieckie Warszawski stołeczny Miasto Warszawa Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Emma Harris (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
