The present paper is dedicated to Italian adjective-adjective sequences as a borderline phenomenon oscillating between morphology and syntax. AA sequences with a linking vowel -o- and a single morphological locus for agreement at the end of the sequence are undoubtedly morphological in nature, while the distinction between asyndetic AA compounds and coordinative AA phrases is a tricky matter, depending solely on semantics. The paper shows how the asyndetic compound-type arose besides the one with a linking vowel, taken over from Neo-Latin in the 17th century and characterises their mutual relationship in present-day Italian in terms of blocking. Some restrictions and ordering preferences in modern Italian are argued to reflect this Neo- Latin origin. And finally, the phenomenon of apocope of the type imperialregio, specific to Italian, is interpreted as an iconic strategy to achieve greater formal integration in asyndetic AA compounds.
Italian adjective-adjective compounds: between morphology and syntax
GROSSMANN, Maria;
2009-01-01
Abstract
The present paper is dedicated to Italian adjective-adjective sequences as a borderline phenomenon oscillating between morphology and syntax. AA sequences with a linking vowel -o- and a single morphological locus for agreement at the end of the sequence are undoubtedly morphological in nature, while the distinction between asyndetic AA compounds and coordinative AA phrases is a tricky matter, depending solely on semantics. The paper shows how the asyndetic compound-type arose besides the one with a linking vowel, taken over from Neo-Latin in the 17th century and characterises their mutual relationship in present-day Italian in terms of blocking. Some restrictions and ordering preferences in modern Italian are argued to reflect this Neo- Latin origin. And finally, the phenomenon of apocope of the type imperialregio, specific to Italian, is interpreted as an iconic strategy to achieve greater formal integration in asyndetic AA compounds.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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