Interfaces in Constraint-Based Theories of Grammar
Jonas Kuhn · Oxford University Press eBooks · 2007
This article considers the notion of interface from the point of view of Lexical-Functional Grammar (LFG) and Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG). It starts by introducing the basic assumptions of constraint-based theories of grammar, contrasting them with transformational approaches. The main dimensions of representation – or interfaces – assumed in constraint-based theories are motivated. The article also presents them somewhat more technically for the frameworks of LFG and HPSG. The three interfaces along the path Phonological Structure-Phrase Structure-Subcategorization Structure-Lexicosemantic Argument Structure are dealt with. This path has been the backbone of most syntactic work in constraint-based theories. The interface to (Compositional) Semantic Structure is considered. The article finally draws a conclusion about the status of interfaces in constraint-based grammar. With a purely informational notion of ‘module’ in mind, it is a central goal of constraint-based theorizing to find an adequate modularization of the complex system of constraints needed to capture the empirical language facts.