In this paper I analyse the syntax of Latin demonstratives (DEMs) hic, ille, iste, within the framework of generative grammar.1 The data show that DEMs display many similarities but also some substantial differences among each other. I argue that the freedom in the arrangement of the elements in Latin nominal expressions (NEs) is only apparent and due to a non-systematic analysis of the data, which does not take into account the distinction between basic and marked orders, the latter being derived by syntactic movement. In particular, following Giusti (1993; 1997) and Oniga (2007), I show that DEMs are always in the highest specifier of the NE, namely, in SpecDP. In addition, I demonstrate that ille but not the other demonstratives can introduce an adjective in complex appositive structures. Beyond the theoretical contribution, I will also suggest at various points in the paper how linguistic theory can be useful in updating Latin grammars for classroom activities.
Iovino, R. (2011). Word order in the Latin DP: the Syntax of Demonstratives” in R. Oniga, R. Iovino and G. Giusti. In Oniga R Iovino R Giusti G (a cura di), Formal Linguistics and the Teaching of Latin. Theoretical and Applied Perspectives in Comparative Grammar (pp. 51-63). NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE : Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
Word order in the Latin DP: the Syntax of Demonstratives” in R. Oniga, R. Iovino and G. Giusti
IOVINO, ROSSELLA
2011-01-01
Abstract
In this paper I analyse the syntax of Latin demonstratives (DEMs) hic, ille, iste, within the framework of generative grammar.1 The data show that DEMs display many similarities but also some substantial differences among each other. I argue that the freedom in the arrangement of the elements in Latin nominal expressions (NEs) is only apparent and due to a non-systematic analysis of the data, which does not take into account the distinction between basic and marked orders, the latter being derived by syntactic movement. In particular, following Giusti (1993; 1997) and Oniga (2007), I show that DEMs are always in the highest specifier of the NE, namely, in SpecDP. In addition, I demonstrate that ille but not the other demonstratives can introduce an adjective in complex appositive structures. Beyond the theoretical contribution, I will also suggest at various points in the paper how linguistic theory can be useful in updating Latin grammars for classroom activities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
