Non-configurationality: Free word order and argument drop in Turkish

This paper investigates free word order and argument drop in Turkish as the two

properties typically associated with non-configurationality. We will argue that

these properties follow from the lack of case-driven Agree in Turkish phrase

structure. That is, the case feature in Turkish is not located on the functional

heads T and v, but is available within the thematic domain. In languages like

English, on the other hand, given that case is provided by hierarchically ordered

functional projections, i.e., TP > vP, arguments forming case-chains with these

functional heads get represented within a hierarchical configuration. Lack of such

chain formation in Turkish is what creates the flat structure effect, which in turn

facilitates free word order and argument drop.

Published online: 17 September 2008
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.132.18ozt