On the Russian Word Order Priority in Simple Sentences
Tan Shun-zhi · Jiefangjun Waiyu Xueyuan xuebao · 2009
A quantitative analysis of word order of simples sentences in a holistic sample drawn at random indicates that the number of words in simple sentences is proportional to the number of unmarked word orders,and is inversely proportional to the number of word orders with rhetorical functions or with ambiguity,that as the grammatical function of word order increases,the rhetorical function decreases,and that Russian is a typical SVO language and its word order of simple sentences varies.There is no significant difference with regard to the function and norm of word order between oral and written modes.Criteria against which to judge correctness exist with the semantic and grammatical word orders,as they belong to the system of langue,while selectivity and flexibility characterize the pragmatic word order,as it belongs to the system of parole.Thus the theory of triple-strata grammar should be brought into question.The Russian word order may fulfill grammatical,rhetorical and communicative functions.The claim that Russian has a free word order is not exact.