On tomlin, and manning and parker on basic word order

Abstract

In this article, two recent word order studies, i.e. Tomlin [Basic Word Order: Functional Principles, London: Croom Helm (1986)], and Manning and Parker [Language Sciences 11, 43-65 (1989)], will be examined. Some specific and general problems with these studies will be identified. Firstly, in Tomlin's study, the observed predominance of S initial languages is unaccounted for; to remedy this flaw, an alternative differential weighting system is proposed. Secondly, it is argued that Manning and Parker's (1989) figure/ground interpretation of basic word order is seriously problematic in that the support that they provide for the interpretation is both irrelevant and circular. In conclusion, non-linguistic evidence in the word order study is called for. © 1991.