Parasyntax and the sentential level in axiomatic functionalism

Abstract

This thesis is presented as a contribution to the St Andrews School of Linguistics, Axiomatic Functionalism, as developed by Mulder and Hervey. It is essentially a piece of Theoretical Linguistics which outlines an approach to the hitherto undeveloped areas of Parasyntax and the Sentential Level in Axiomatic Functionalism. The theoretical arguments are supported by descriptive hypotheses concerning the nature of Spoken English. These descriptions are corpus-based. The conclusion reached by the author is that not only are Parasyntax and the Sentential Level distinct in theory (this is axiomatic), but they are also distinct in their application as regards methodology and description. This conclusion will undoubtedly prove to be controversial in the light of recent developments in Axiomatic Functionalism concerning the Postulates in particular (of which the author was at the time of writing unaware), and in the light of other Functionalist approaches to the nature of intonation and sentences. It is anticipated that this thesis will be of value to those interested in Functionalism as well as those concerned with intonation and the levels of language beyond syntax.