An extension of the comparative sociolinguistics approach for sociosyntax: Comparing a single linguistic constraint across multiple sociolinguistic variables

Comeau, Philip (2015). « An extension of the comparative sociolinguistics approach for sociosyntax: Comparing a single linguistic constraint across multiple sociolinguistic variables ». Linguistic Variation, pp. 1-60.

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Résumé

This paper integrates aspects of both generative theory and variationist sociolinguistics. To compare the structure of two varieties of French (Acadian French and Laurentian French), I adapt the comparative sociolinguistics approach to compare the syntactic structure of these varieties. Specifically, I focus on the effects of a single linguistic constraint across multiple sociolinguistic variables. I argue that such a comparison provides insights into the underlying grammatical structures of the varieties under comparison, differences that may have remained hidden otherwise. To illustrate the approach, I focus on a single constraint, sentential polarity, and I analyze its effects on two sociolinguistic variables, yes/no questions and future temporal reference. Results show that the polarity constraint is operative in Laurentian French for both variables, but inoperative in Acadian French. To account for this difference, I argue that Laurentian French negative structures involve a negative head above the tense phrase while Acadian French does not.

Type: Article de revue scientifique
Informations complémentaires: Cet article va paraître dans la revue Linguistic Variation (le DOI sera ajouté dès que possible). John Benjamins Publishing Company détient les droits d'auteur de ce document.
Mots-clés ou Sujets: sociolinguistique, français acadien, français laurentien, référence temporelle au futur, interrogation, négation.
Unité d'appartenance: Faculté des sciences humaines > Département de linguistique
Déposé par: Philip Comeau
Date de dépôt: 27 oct. 2015 13:19
Dernière modification: 27 oct. 2015 13:19
Adresse URL : http://archipel.uqam.ca/id/eprint/7437

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