A Minimalist Approach to the Diachronic Study of English Modals
A Minimalist Approach to the Diachronic Study of English Modals
- 한국영어학학회
- 영어학연구
- 영어학연구 제21호
-
2006.06221 - 238 (18 pages)
- 26
This paper argues that the change from Old English to Modern English results from parameter-resetting as language acquisition (growth) results from parameter-setting. Through the diachronic study of English modals, the paper leads to the conclusion that Modern English modals are a result of parameter-resetting from the Old English premodals. This parameter-resetting is achieved through markedness, involving gradual changes of language. Language change, as suggested by Kroch (1989) and other scholars, shows an S-shaped curve in grammar change, not an abrupt change implied by parameter-resetting. This dilemma is solved by the introduction of a notion of markedness, mediated by phonologica,l, morphological, or syntactic change.
1. Introduction<BR>2. The change of Old English premodals<BR>3. Markedness and Parameter-Resetting<BR>4. Conclusion<BR>References<BR>
(0)
(0)