Abstract

In this paper, the linear structures of clauses and nominal phrases are compared in a topological framework. The approach is based on the distinction between positions and fields: the first position is the functional core of the clause (C-position) and the NP (Def-position), the second is the semantic core of the clause (VK = verbal complex) and NP (Nom-position). The C- and Def-positions are restricted to one simple or complex constituent, whereas the VK- and Nom-positions can be filled by several syntactic elements. The VK/Nom-positions contain one head, which governs the other parts. Three fields are used to describe the word order in clauses and NPs: the „Vorfeld“ (K-field/Z-field), the „Mittelfeld“ (X-field) and the „Nachfeld“ (Z-field). The common characteristic of K-field and Z-field is the restriction to only one constituent. The middle fields of clauses and NPs are in part structured according to Behaghels law („semantic connection of constituents is mirrored in syntactic adjacency“). In „Nachfeld“ and Z-field complements are closer to the semantic core (VK resp. Nom) than adjuncts. In sum, there are correspondences between clauses and nominal phrases, but also several differences. This study is a first step to develop a common topological fields model for both.