The English Noun Phrase: The Nature of Linguistic Categorization

by Evelien Keizer

• ISBN13: 9780521183956
• ISBN10: 0521183952
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-12-16
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

English has an interesting variety of noun phrases, which differ greatly in structure. Examples are 'binominal' (two-noun) phrases ('a beast of a party'); possessive constructions ('the author's opinion'); and discontinuous noun phrases ('the review [came out yesterday] of his book'). How are these different noun phrases structured? How do we produce and understand them? These questions are central to this 2007 study, which explores the interaction between the form of noun phrases, their meaning, and their use. It shows how, despite the need in linguistic analysis for strict categories, many linguistic constructions in fact defy straightforward classification - and concludes that in order to fully explain the internal structure of utterances, we must first consider the communicative, pragmatic and cognitive factors that come into play. Drawing on a range of authentic examples, this book sheds light not only on the noun phrase itself but also the nature of linguistic classification.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Structural Approach: Possibilities and Limitations:

Headedness within the NP

Close appositions

Appositions with of

Binominals

Pseudo-partitives

Sort/kind/type-constructions

Conclusion

The Cognitive-Pragmatic Approach: Some Applications:

The flexibility of language

Complements and modifiers

Discontinuous NPs

Possessive constructions: 'the author's opinions vs. the opinion of the author'

Conclusion

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