30.4362, Calls: General Linguistics, Syntax, Typology/Romania

Sat Nov 16 09:27:32 UTC 2019

LINGUIST List: Vol-30-4362. Sat Nov 16 2019. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 30.4362, Calls: General Linguistics, Syntax, Typology/Romania

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Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2019 04:26:48
From: Ksenia Shagal [ksenia.shagal at gmail.com]
Subject: Multifunctionality and Syncretism in Non-finite Forms

Full Title: Multifunctionality and Syncretism in Non-finite Forms 

Date: 26-Aug-2020 - 29-Aug-2020
Location: Bucharest, Romania 
Contact Person: Ksenia Shagal
Meeting Email: ksenia.shagal at gmail.com

Linguistic Field(s): General Linguistics; Syntax; Typology 

Call Deadline: 15-Nov-2019 

Meeting Description:

This workshop aims at discussing multifunctionality in the domain of
non-finite verb forms. Cross-linguistically, it is common for non-finite forms
to occur in a variety of dependent clauses performing different functions. For
example, as can be seen from Cristofaro’s (2003) data, in the majority of
cases, non-finite forms used for adnominal modification are not specific to
this function, but can be found in other subordinate constructions as well
(see also Hendery 2012: 171). Van Lier (2009: 206–210) shows that in a
genealogically and geographically balanced sample of 50 languages all
logically possible combinations of functions are attested, i.e. reference
function, adnominal modification, and adverbial modification. For instance,
the nominalization in -n- in Kayardild (Tangkic), an example of the most
flexible form, can function as a predicate of a relative, a complement, or an
adverbial clause (Evans 1995: 474–476). Forms that combine the function of
predicate of a relative clause with that of predicate of a complement clause
are especially common (Koptjevskaja-Tamm 1993: 42‒44; Shibatani 2009).

The questions that we plan to discuss at the workshop include the following:

- What functions are typically combined in one non-finite form? Are there
constraints on multifunctionality, and if so, then what are they?
- What kind of differences can multifunctional forms show depending on the
function they perform (e.g. differences in TAM expression or argument
encoding)?
- What sets multifunctional forms apart in comparison to dedicated
(specialized) forms, that is, participles, infinitives, converbs or
nominalizations? If not all of the non-finite forms in a language show
multifunctionality, which are most likely to be multifunctional?
- Can any observations be made regarding the frequency distributions of
different functions for specific forms? In other words, if a form can be used
in several types of non-finite dependent clauses, do the frequencies tend to
be evenly distributed across contexts, or is the distribution typically skewed
in favour of one function?
- Do languages with multifunctional non-finite forms tend to have any
particular properties in other domains of grammar?
- Is multifunctionality of non-finite forms more common in certain
geographical areas than in others, and if so, where is it most commonly
attested?

The full description of the workshop can be found at
http://sle2020.eu/workshop-proposals

2nd Call for Papers:

We invite contributions from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, both
functional and formal. We particularly welcome submissions on understudied or
underdocumented languages provided they offer an explicit and substantial
theoretical contribution to the issue at hand. Possible topics for submissions
may include (but are not limited to) the following:

- In-depth case studies of multifunctional non-finite forms in individual
languages;
- Typological studies on the properties and distribution of multifunctional
non-finite forms;
- Formal and functional approaches to the identity of form and diversity of
function;
- Quantitative studies of multifunctionality within individual languages and
cross-linguistically.

We aim to develop papers presented at this workshop into a collective volume
discussing different aspects of multifunctionality in non-finite forms.

Preliminary abstracts of no more than 300 words (excluding references) should
be sent before November 15, 2019, to ksenia.shagal at gmail.com. Any questions or
suggestions regarding the workshop are very welcome as well.

If the workshop is accepted, it will take place at the 53rd Annual Meeting of
the Societas Linguistica Europaea in Bucharest, August 26–29, 2020 (for more
information on the conference see http://sle2020.eu/). All preliminary
workshop participants will be invited to submit their full abstracts before
January 15, 2020.

Convenors:

Pavel Rudnev (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
Ksenia Shagal (University of Helsinki)
Anna Volkova (National Research University Higher School of Economics)

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