Acknowledgements

Even though the process of writing can be lonely at times, in my case this has indeed been a qualified truth. I have been surrounded by persons who have helped and supported me in different ways, and for this I am deeply grateful.

I want to thank the editors of Studies in Germanic Linguistics, Michael T. Putnam, B. Richard Page and Laura Catharine Smith, for giving me the opportunity to publish my work. In particular, Michael T. Putnam has been very encouraging and supporting through the process. This has been very motivating.

I would never have been able to fulfill this achievement without the help and support from Professor Tor A. Åfarli. Not only has he contributed with his expertise within linguistics, he has also been a huge source of inspiration and encouragement. I sincerely admire his theoretical creativity. This has led to many fruitful discussions from which I have benefited and learned enormously.

I also wish to thank some of my other colleagues for friendship and encouragement. In particular, thanks to Terje Lohndal, Halldór Sigurðsson, Guro Busterud, Heidi Brøseth, Kristin M. Eide, Leiv Inge Aa and Stian Hårstad. Their suggestions and comments have without doubt contributed to improve the quality of the book.

A final word of gratitude goes to my family and friends for their support, patience and affection. A special thanks to my husband Espen and my children Oskar, Ola and Sigrid.