The Polysynthesis Parameter (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780195093070)

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.

Author: Mark C. Baker
ISBN-10: 0195093070
ISBN-13: 9780195093070
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Language: English
Published: 01/04/1996
Pages: 576
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.42lbs
Size: 9.36h x 6.36w x 1.64d