Function Words at the Interface: A Two-Tier Approach

The distinction between function words and content poses a challenge to theories of the syntax–prosody interface. On one hand, are “ignored” by mapping algorithms; that is, not mapped prosodic words. other there numerous accounts which form can even be analysed as heads larger units. Furthermore, seem driving factor for formation structures in they largely held accountable non-isomorphism syntactic constituency. This paper discusses these challenges with focus on particular word, first-person nominative pronoun Swabian, Southern German dialect. By means two corpus studies, it is shown occurs forms, word [i:] enclitic [ə]. Depending clause position structure, forms occur complementary distribution. Occurrences n-insertion allow establishment recursive structure at level phonological module. findings support new proposal two-tier approach interface syntax prosody.