Synchrony vs. Diachrony in Language Structure

Abstract

A number of syntactic constructions in Mandarin Chinese are analysed—which, synchronically, are unrelated and highly irregular. However, all reflect a diachronic drift from VO to OV typology which has been operating in Mandarin Chinese. In the light of this diachronic drift, the syntactic constructions can be viewed as structures in transition, and the synchronic irregularities as manifestations of the transitional process.