Abstract
The Left Dislocation construction is a typologically universal phenomenon that has received detailed analysis, from both formal and functional perspectives, in a number of genetically and areally diverse languages. The present paper aims to provide a general overview of this cross-linguistic research with a concentration on: 1) the comparison of syntactico-semantic features of LD across languages, 2) the generalized cross-linguistic patterns and categories attested for LD, and 3) the explanations offered for LD in terms of its motivation and function in discourse. Accordingly, the paper will proceed in two parts. The first part will entail a brief survey of the syntactic and semantic attributes that have established LD as a typological category. In light of these attributes, linguists generally distinguish between two broad types of LD on the basis of particular syntactic patterns and constraints. Thus, a general description of these types is provided, along with a brief description of several less prototypical LD types. The second part of the paper will focus on the explanation of LD both in terms of the cognitive and contextual constraints that motivate its use in discourse, as well as the communicative goals and pragmatic effects achieved by the construction in particular contexts.
Highlights
The grammatical construction known as Left Dislocation (=LD) is represented by the English sentence in (1a)
There is a growing body of literature on the LD construction, with detailed descriptions available for a number of genetically and areally diverse languages.1. These studies reflect an array of approaches, theoretical frameworks, and areas of concentration, and showcase the range of possible structures and functions exhibited by LD constructions across languages
The second part will aim to provide an explanation of LD both in terms of the cognitive and contextual constraints that motivate its use in discourse, as well as the communicative goals and pragmatic effects achieved by the construction in particular contexts
Summary
The grammatical construction known as Left Dislocation (=LD) is represented by the English sentence in (1a). In this example, the proper noun Peter occurs in a dislocated position before the clause, and is resumed within the clause by a co-referential pronoun him, the direct object of the verb known. The proper noun Peter occurs in a dislocated position before the clause, and is resumed within the clause by a co-referential pronoun him, the direct object of the verb known This LD construction is juxtaposed with its canonical counterpart in (1b) in which Peter occurs in situ as the direct object of the verb:. [Peter,]i I’ve known himi for a long time.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
