Wh-Movement and the Theory of Feature-Checking
Author
Wh-movement and the theory of feature-checking argues that cross-linguistic variation in wh-constructions reduces to the availability of different lexical instantiations of a +wh C0 both across languages and within a single language, and the way in which such lexical elements are syntactically identified, either via movement or base-generation. Evidence from a wide range of patterns including wh-expletive questions leads to the conclusion that wh-feature checking may sometimes be effected non-locally and at a distance (long-distance wh-agreement), and that movement in general takes place for two related but discrete reasons: both to identify and activate an underspecified licensing head and in order for an element to occur in the checking domain projected by its relevant licensing head. Developing and generalizing the proposals beyond wh-phenomena, the study also goes on to argue for a Minimalist model of syntax in which feature-dependencies are in fact all licensed in the overt syntax and where there is no need for any further level of LF.
[Not in series, 98] 2000. xii, 244 pp.
Publishing status: Available
© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Table of Contents
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Foreword and Acknowledgments | p. ix
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1. Wh in situ and the LF Movement Hypothesis | p. 1
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2. Wh-movement and feature-checking | p. 69
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3. Partial Movement and wh-expletive questions | p. 147
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Index | p. 240
“In a real tour de force, Andrew Simpson offers a novel theory of wh-agreement which unifies the diverse behavior of wh-elements in situ in languages such as Iraqi Arabic or Hindi, partial wh-movement in German and multiple fronting in Romanian. His far reaching results must be taken into account by anyone interested in this central topic which has shaped debate within contemporary linguistic theory.”
Joseph Aoun, Professor of Linguistics, USC
“[...] presents an in-depth analysis of wh-constructions from a diverse variety of languages, and draws forceful and innovative conclusions regarding the licensing of wh-phrases.”
Edward Garrett, Department of Religious Studies, University of Virginia
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Subjects
Main BIC Subject
CF: Linguistics
Main BISAC Subject
LAN009000: LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General