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Article published In:
Asian Languages and Linguistics
Vol. 4:1 (2023) ► pp.22–47

The syntax of reconstruction in English and Chinese

| The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The paper investigates a range of facts exhibiting reconstruction effects. We consider facts concerning anaphor binding, variable binding, quantifier scope and binding condition C in A-bar-movement structures (questions, relative clauses and topicalization) as well as VP fronting in English and Chinese. Our findings provide strong support to the copy theory of movement and identify some areas that need further refinement.

Keywords: A-bar-movement, binding, VP-internal subject, VP-fronting, quantifier scope
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Reconstruction to gaps under A-bar movement
    • 2.1English
    • 2.2Chinese
    • 2.3Some under-studied facts
  • 3.Reconstruction and VP-fronting
    • 3.1English
    • 3.2Chinese
  • 4.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 6 July 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.22018.law
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