Polynesian languages and their contributions to theoretical linguistics

Abstract

This chapter introduces the volume on Polynesian syntax and its interfaces. It presents an overview of the Polynesian language family and outlines the key typological features of the languages. The history of research on Polynesian languages is reviewed, with a focus on modern research in theoretical syntax and semantics. This historical overview is followed by a summary of each chapter in the volume, in which the connecting theoretical issues are highlighted.