Skip to Main Content

The Nature of the Word: Studies in Honor of Paul Kiparsky

Online ISBN:
9780262274890
Print ISBN:
9780262083799
Publisher:
The MIT Press
Book

The Nature of the Word: Studies in Honor of Paul Kiparsky

Kristin Hanson (ed.),
Kristin Hanson
(ed.)
Find on
Sharon Inkelas (ed.)
Sharon Inkelas
(ed.)
Find on
Published:
12 December 2008
Online ISBN:
9780262274890
Print ISBN:
9780262083799
Publisher:
The MIT Press

Abstract

Paul Kiparsky's work in linguistics has been wide ranging and fundamental. Kiparsky's contributions as a scholar and teacher have transformed virtually every subfield of contemporary linguistics, from generative phonology to poetic theory. This collection of essays on the word—the fundamental entity of language—by Kiparsky's colleagues, students, and teachers reflects the distinctive focus of his own attention and his influence in the field. As the editors of the book observe, Kiparsky approaches words much as a botanist approaches plants, fascinated equally by their beauty, structure, and evolution. The chapters in the book reflect these multiple perspectives. The contributors discuss phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics bearing on the formal composition of the word; historical linguistic developments emphasizing the word's simultaneous idiosyncratic character and participation in a system; and metrical and poetic forms showing the significance of Kiparsky's ideas for literary theory. Collectively they develop the overarching idea that the nature of the word is not directly observable but nonetheless inferable.

Contents
Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close