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English dialect syntax in Word Grammar

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 July 2007

RICHARD A. HUDSON
RICHARD A. HUDSON
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics and Phonetics, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UKdick@ling.ucl.ac.uk
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Abstract

The article focuses on inherent variability in syntax and the challenge that it presents for theories of language structure, using illustrative data from the Scottish town of Buckie (Smith, 2000). Inherent variability challenges a linguistic theory at three levels of theoretical adequacy: structural (Does the theory distinguish the relevant structures?), contextual (Does it allow structures to be related directly to their social context?), and behavioural (Does it allow an explanation for the observed frequencies?). The article summarizes the relevant claims of Word Grammar and shows (1) that it has at least as much structural adequacy as any other theory, (2) that it has more contextual adequacy than other theories because it formalizes the theory of Acts of Identity, and (3) that it at least provides a theoretical foundation for future advances towards behavioural adequacy. The article also argues against the minimalist analysis of the was/were alternation in Buckie (Adger, 2006).

Type
Research Article
Information
English Language & Linguistics , Volume 11 , Issue 2: Special issue on English dialect syntax , July 2007 , pp. 383 - 405
Copyright
Cambridge University Press 2007

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