Configurational language

In generative syntax, a configurational language is a language that has a fairly rigid word order based on a specifically ordered D-structure.

Example

English is a configurational language, as opposed to languages such as Walpiri which are supposed to lack an ordered D-structure, and which, as a result, exhibit extremely free word order variation.

Link

Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics

References

• Hale, K. 1983. Warlpiri and the grammar of non-configurational languages. Natural Language and Linguistic Theory 1, pages.
• Webelhuth, G. 1984. German is configurational. The Linguistic Review 4, pages.