The consolidation of þat as an invariable relativizer in the history of English
Abstract
Two different invariable relative markers were in use in early English,
þe and þat/that. This paper aims to answer the question of how and why þat replaced þe as an invariable relativizer in Middle English. To this end I analyse the distribution of invariable relativizers in the relevant periods of the English language (from Old English to late Middle English) as represented in The Helsinki Corpus of English Texts.
þe and þat/that. This paper aims to answer the question of how and why þat replaced þe as an invariable relativizer in Middle English. To this end I analyse the distribution of invariable relativizers in the relevant periods of the English language (from Old English to late Middle English) as represented in The Helsinki Corpus of English Texts.