Binding theory

Definition

Binding theory is a set of principles in linguistics that describes how noun phrases (NPs) relate to each other in terms of reference and coreference. It focuses on the conditions under which an NP can refer to another NP, particularly in relation to pronouns and their antecedents. This theory connects closely to thematic roles and case grammar, as understanding the relationship between nouns involves recognizing their roles in sentences and the grammatical cases they assume.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Binding theory is divided into three main components known as Binding Conditions A, B, and C, each specifying different rules for pronouns and referential NPs.
2. Condition A states that reflexive pronouns must be bound by an antecedent within the same clause, ensuring clarity in who is performing the action.
3. Condition B states that pronouns cannot be bound by an antecedent that c-commands them, which means they must refer to an external entity instead of one within their own clause.
4. Condition C requires that referring expressions (like names) cannot be bound by any antecedents, allowing them to maintain independent reference.
5. The interactions of binding theory with thematic roles enhance our understanding of sentence structure, showing how roles assigned to nouns can affect coreference.

Review Questions

• How does binding theory clarify the relationships between pronouns and their antecedents?
  • Binding theory provides specific conditions that dictate when a pronoun can refer back to an antecedent. For instance, Condition A mandates that reflexive pronouns like 'himself' must have their antecedent within the same clause, ensuring that the action is clearly linked to the correct subject. This clarification helps prevent ambiguity in sentences where multiple noun phrases are present.
• What are the implications of Condition B in binding theory on sentence structure?
  • Condition B has significant implications for sentence structure as it restricts where pronouns can derive their reference from. By stating that a pronoun cannot be bound by an antecedent that c-commands it, this condition influences how we construct sentences to avoid confusion. It ensures that when we use pronouns, they do not inadvertently refer back to entities higher up in the syntactic structure, allowing for clearer communication.
• Evaluate how binding theory interacts with thematic roles to influence meaning in sentences.
  • Binding theory and thematic roles interact closely to shape meaning in sentences. Thematic roles assign different functions to noun phrases, while binding theory governs how these phrases can refer to each other. For example, an agent performing an action might need to be explicitly identified through binding rules when there are multiple participants involved. Understanding this interplay helps linguists analyze how grammatical structure and meaning coexist, highlighting the complexity of language use.

Related terms

Coreference: The relationship between two or more expressions in a sentence where they refer to the same entity, such as a pronoun and its antecedent.

Antecedent: The noun or noun phrase that a pronoun refers back to in a sentence, providing clarity and coherence.

Thematic Roles: The roles that different entities play in the context of an action or state, such as agent, patient, or experiencer, which influence how binding occurs.