The Defective Copy Theory of Movement
Evidence from wh-constructions in Cape Verdean Creole
University of Lisbon
Within the framework of Chomsky’s Principles and Parameters Theory and the Minimalist Program, this work presents a detailed discussion of the different types of wh-question formation and relativization strategies in Cape Verdean Creole (Santiago variety), especially focusing on wh-movement of PPs. The book explores the Copy Theory of Movement, discussing a defective copy construction involving wh-movement of PPs which poses interesting theoretical questions as to how the defective copy is to be generated and form a chain with the relevant displaced wh-constituent. It is also shown that the defective copy strategy ([wh[PL] … el
[3SG]]) is distinct from resumption ([wh[PL] … es
[3PL]]) due to some properties of PPs in Cape Verdean Creole and to the nature of the pronominal element that occurs at the foot of the wh-chain. This book relates well with those on Cape Verdean Creole and highlights the need to look more closely at deeper syntactic issues in more creole languages, inspiring further comparative work amongst creole linguists.
[Creole Language Library, 41]
2012.
xvi, 249 pp.
Publishing status: Available
Hardbound – Available
ISBN
9789027252647
|
EUR
105.00
|
USD
158.00
e-Book – Sold by e-book platforms
ISBN
9789027274892
|
EUR
105.00
|
USD
158.00
Table of Contents
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List of tables
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xi–xii
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Preface
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xiii–xiv
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Abbreviations
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xv–xvi
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Chapter 1. Introduction
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1–8
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Chapter 2. Aspects of the syntax of Cape Verdean Creole
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9–76
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Chapter 3. Wh-questions in Cape Verdean Creole
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77–106
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Chapter 4. Restrictive relative clauses in Cape Verdean Creole
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107–140
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Chapter 5. Extensions of the Copy Theory of Movement
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141–222
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Chapter 6. Conclusions
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223–234
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References
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235–246
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Index
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247–248
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Index
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249–250
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Quotes
“Nélia Alexandre’s book provides a comprehensive discussion of questions and relative clauses in Cape Verdean Creole (CVC). Clearly written and well argued for, the book is a nice example of how an in-depth investigation of a less studied language can provide theoretical insights regarding the architecture of the language faculty. Alexandre identifies and analyses a defective copy construction involving wh-movement of PPs which poses interesting theoretical questions as to how the defective copy is to be generated and form a chain with the relevant displaced wh-constituent. Given its empirical richness and theoretical soundness, Alexandre’s work is of relevance not only to readers interested in CVC grammar and creole languages, but also to readers interested in theoretical syntax and comparative linguistics in general.”
Jairo Nunes, University of São Paulo
“Nelia Alexandre's volume is outstanding in many respects: It provides a careful, detailed, and exhaustive description of Cape Verdean Creole while making a significant contribution to current syntactic theory. I know of no other current work that provides such an in-depth analysis of interrogation, relativization and resumption strategies in the Cape Verdean language. This volume is a rare combination of an empirically rich study with a theoretically informed analysis. As a result, it is a must read for both communities of creolists and syntacticians and beyond them, for all linguists interested in Cape Verdean Creole in particular and lusophone creoles in general.”
Marlyse Baptista, University of Michigan
Subjects
Benjamins Subject classification
BIC Subject
CFK: Grammar, syntax
BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics
U.S. Library of Congress Control Number: 2011046460