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Variation and Morphosyntactic Theory: Competition Fractionated
Author(s) -
Embick David
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
language and linguistics compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.619
H-Index - 44
ISSN - 1749-818X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-818x.2007.00038.x
Subject(s) - grammaticality , variation (astronomy) , competition (biology) , linguistics , grammar , optimality theory , competition model , computer science , philosophy , political science , physics , phonology , ecology , astrophysics , welfare , biology , law
The study of the ‘dynamic’ aspects of language – variation and change – and the development of grammatical theory are often pursued independently of one another. Concentrating on morphosyntax, this article explores connections between these domains that are centered on the notion of ‘competition’. When the relationship between competition for grammaticality and competition for use is articulated, it is clear that grammar competition models of variation and change are connected directly to specific theoretical approaches to synchronic grammar.