Includes a discussion of functional principles related to relative clause formation: diachrony and paths of grammaticalization, simplicity vs complexity, and formalization of rules to capture semantic-syntactic correlations. This title provides an overview of relative clauses in nine different languages going from north to south in the Americas.

1. map; 2. Introduction (by Comrie, Bernard); 3. part i. Diachrony, typology, and theory; 4. Toward a diachronic typology of relative clause (by Givon, T.); 5. The evolution of language and elaborateness of grammar: The case of relative clauses in creole languages (by Kuteva, Tania); 6. Some issues in the linking between syntax and semantics in relative clauses (by Van Valin Jr., Robert D.); 7. Part II. Uto-Aztecan; 8. Relative clauses and nominalizations in Yaqui (by Gonzalez, Albert Alvarez); 9. On relative clauses and related constructions in Yaqui (by Guerrero, Lilian); 10. From demonstrative to relative marker to clause linker: Relative clause formation in Pima Bajo (by Estrada-Fernandez, Zarina); 11. Functional underpinnings of diachrony in relative clause formation: The nominalization-relativization connection in Northern Paiute (by Thornes, Tim); 12. Part III. Elsewhere in the Americas; 13. Clauses as noun modifiers in Toba (Guaycuruan) (by Carpio, Maria Belen); 14. Between headed and headless relative clauses (by Epps, Patience); 15. Relative clauses in Seri (by Marlett, Stephen A.); 16. Relative clauses in Gaviao of Rondonia (by Moore, Denny); 17. Relative clauses in Yucatec Maya: Light heads vs. Null domain (by Gutierrez-Bravo, Rodrigo); 18. Questionable relatives (by Mithun, Marianne); 19. Language and language family index; 20. Name index; 21. Subject index