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Article published In:
Sign Language & Linguistics
Vol. 26:2 (2023) ► pp.258–275
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Wh-doubling in German Sign Language

Why not sluicing?

ORCID logo | University of Stuttgart
Wh-doubling is a widely attested phenomenon in sign languages. Several analyses are found in the literature assuming, for example, base-generation of one of the doubles or making (heavy) use of remnant movement. Using data from German Sign Language, this article discusses the possibility that the structure might be derived from a relative clause embedded under a wh-question which finally undergoes sluicing. It will be argued that such an account correctly predicts the distribution of the wh-phrases found in German Sign Language doubling constructions.
Keywords: wh-doubling, focus doubling, sluicing, syntax, German Sign Language
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The data to be accounted for and the basic hypothesis
  • 3.Comparable constructions in other languages
  • 4.A relative-clause sluicing analysis of wh-doubling in DGS
  • 5.Conclusions
  • Notes
  • References
Published online: 14 September 2023
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/sll.22005.bro
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