Reference and Quantification in Nominal Phrases: The Current Landscape and the Way Ahead

The thematic volume ‘Determiners and quantifiers: Functions, variation, and change’ explores the interface between morphosyntax and semantics-pragmatics in the domain of referential and quantificational nominal expressions. We present case studies from Romance and Germanic languages, dealing with both synchronic and diachronic aspects. Our aim is to empirically test, on the basis of comparative data, the most recent theoretical developments in the analysis of reference and quantification and to identify focal points for future research. The chapters variously contribute to three fundamental areas in the study of reference and quantification: reference and quantification between morphosyntax and interpretation; reference and quantification in discourse; reference and quantification in diachrony. In this introductory contribution, we single out some outstanding issues for each of these areas, and we provide an overview of the insights emerging from the studies collected in this volume. Before we focus on the three areas listed above, we will start with a more general section on interface issues between morphosyntax and semantics in the domain of reference and quantification.