In:Dependency Linguistics: Recent advances in linguistic theory using dependency structures
Edited by Kim Gerdes, Eva Hajičová and Leo Wanner
[Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today 215] 2014
► pp. 1–32
Dependency in Language
Published online: 1 October 2014
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.215.01mel
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.215.01mel
This paper presents a general overview of the notion of linguistic dependency and of its application in formal modeling of Language. Three major types of dependency are distinguished: semantic, syntactic and morphological dependencies; all cases of their 14 possible combinations in a sentence are examined and illustrated. Each type of dependency is characterized in some detail. For syntactic dependency, three sets of formal criteria are introduced; for morphological dependency, its two major subtypes – agreement and government – are described. The main advantages of syntactic dependency are shown, as well as a case of its insufficiency (in coordination). The place and the role of phrases within dependency framework are touched upon. The so-called Bracketing Paradox is briefly discussed.
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