LWPL 2.2 (May 2005)
Contributions by Lena Baunaz, Jairo Nunes and Cynthia Zocca, Knut Olawsky, and Jason Zhang.
This regular issue of LWPL was edited by Boban Arsenijević, Noureddine Elouazizi, Frank Landsbergen, and Martin Salzmann.
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Abstract
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| The aim of this paper is to provide a new analysis of both French wh in-situ and the French existential quantifier (∃QP) un NP. Taking into account syntax, semantics, and prosody, I provide a new and more detailed typology of these elements. I then show that Quantifier interactions are ruled by Relativized Minimality (Rizzi 2001). Focussing on un NP ‘a NP’ and wh in-situ, I argue that they are all interpreted as indefinites coupled with either an Opwh or an Op∃, and that at LF some give rise to Split-DP constructions, while others do not (as in Mathieu 2002). |
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Abstract
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| This paper argues that Lasnik's (1999) analysis of VP ellipsis involving lack of morphological identity between the antecedent and the elided material cannot account for similar constructions in languages such as Portuguese. We propose that a unified account of the data can be achieved, however, if Lasnik's proposal is reinterpreted under Chomsky's (2001) valuation approach to feature checking. |
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Abstract
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| This paper investigates the pervasive OVA/VS structure of Urarina syntax, which is indeed manifested both qualitatively and quantitatively. OVA/VS is the unmarked order for transitive and intransitive clauses, both as independent and dependent, with affirmative as well as with negated verbs. The few cases in which an alternative (AOV/SV) order is possible can be confined to pragmatically dependent contexts that involve focus or emphasis with subsequent fronting of the subject. The position of core arguments will be analysed so as to highlight its exceptional status in terms of a cross-linguistic approach. |
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Abstract
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| Clitics, such as n’t in English couldn’t or l’ in French l’idée, are common in morphological languages (Spencer 1991, among others). It is commonly held that clitics do not occur in rigidly isolating languages, such as Chinese (see Katamba 1993, among others). However, a phonological approach to the syllable structure of [NIU] haven’t in Shaoxing Chinese (one of the Wu languages in China) shows that [N] in [NIU35] is a clitic, functionally similar to clitics in English or French, phonetically and phonologically fused with the host syllable. This strongly suggests that clitics also exist in Shaoxing Chinese, a rigidly isolating non-morphological language. |
Last Modified: 03-07-2008