A new approach to clausal constituent order

Abstract

This chapter studies the consequences of the FDG approach to constituent ordering for the typology of constituent orders at the clausal level. After introducing the theoretical framework, it is argued that the fact that FDG in its dynamic approach to constituent ordering uses four absolute positions, which may be expanded with relative positions, leads to a situation in which each surface order in classical constituent order typology, such as VSO, SVO, etc. actually corresponds to 14 logically possible underlying orders. The chapter explores the consequences of this approach by comparing three V-medial and three V-initial languages, showing that each of these corresponds to a different type in the new approach advocated in this chapter.