The architecture of focus

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This collection explores the architecture of focus in linguistic theory from various theoretical perspectives. Over the last four decades, research has revealed the complexity of focus, with diverse theoretical approaches and sensitive data. Traditionally, focus has been integrated into generative grammar, but recent shifts have transformed how linguists view focus and information structure. The focus of research has moved from situating focus within grammar to examining the architecture of focus itself. This collection aims to document this shift, identifying key areas of inquiry in both theoretical and empirical domains. The book is organized into four main sections following the introduction: the first discusses theoretical foundations of focus within grammar; the second features papers on the representation of focus and topic at the syntax-pragmatics interface; the third addresses the phonological representation of focus and its relationship to meaning; and the final section investigates various types of focus constructions across languages. Together, these contributions reflect the development of the focus research field, emphasizing its interpretation and representation.