2014 Volume 31 Issue 2 Pages 477-508
Ackema and Neeleman (2001, 2004) propose Competition Theory to explain typological differences. In this theory, morphology and syntax compete for structural realization, and language types depend on the way that an underlying structure is realized on its surface, whether morphologically or syntactically. Adopting Competition Theory, this article presents a new perspective on cross-linguistic variations in realization patterns of nominal modification with special reference to the contrast between English and Japanese. Our analysis reveals that this contrast ultimately follows from a macroparametric distinction between the two languages and that similar cross-linguistic variations can be given a unified account as instantiations of this macroparametric distinction.
