The evolution of Latin word (dis)order

The evolution from Latin to Romance languages involves a typological shift from SOV to SVO order where the change in Object position seems to be anticipated by a gradual construction-by-construction reorientation of constituent order. As a matter of fact, since Early Latin coexisting patterns determine a kaleidoscopic surface complexity that makes it difficult to reduce this language to a coherent system. On the assumption that the typology of word order flexibility is closely intertwined with the diachrony of word order change, this paper investigates the factors influencing grammatical variation and change by discussing both the sources that give rise to the various constructions and the mechanisms governing the choice between alternative orders at different stages. The results will show that, in some cases, grammatical variation depends on processes that are partially independent of the OV/VO dichotomy, and that typological regularities and irregularities in word order typology can be diachronically motivated.