Author(s): Theodora Alexopoulou
E-mail: theodora@ling.ed.ac.uk
This paper puts forward the idea that in Greek contrast is an independent feature, represented in syntax by a preverbal position. Contrast can be assigned to different sorts of entities, topics and foci, once a set/list of contrasting alternatives/entities has been introduced or directly implied by the discourse. Evidence for an independent treatment of contrast is provided by similarities in the distribution of contrastive topics and focus. The asymmetries between the two are explained as a result of general differences between topics and focus.
Paper: Postscript (337694 bytes)