An l-syntax for adjuncts
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Ángel J. Gallego
Abstract
This paper puts forward an l-syntactic approach (see Hale & Keyser 1993 and subsequent work) to VP adjuncts/modifiers, which are analyzed as PPs undergoing Merge with the VP —as high applicatives, in Pylkkänen’s (2008) sense—. The present proposal argues for a treatment where the merger of VPs and adjuncts gives rise to a Talmian Figure-Ground relation whereby VPs are interpreted as subjects (Figures), and adjuncts as predicates (Grounds). If tenable, the analysis requires no additional mode of combination for adjuncts (pair Merge, predicate composition, etc), apart from Chomsky’s (set) Merge. Given the nature of the matters to be discussed, the paper has the most general goal of reexamining the consequences of Chomsky’s (2008) recent label-free conception of Bare Phrase Structure (BPS) for Hale & Keyser’s l-syntax.
Abstract
This paper puts forward an l-syntactic approach (see Hale & Keyser 1993 and subsequent work) to VP adjuncts/modifiers, which are analyzed as PPs undergoing Merge with the VP —as high applicatives, in Pylkkänen’s (2008) sense—. The present proposal argues for a treatment where the merger of VPs and adjuncts gives rise to a Talmian Figure-Ground relation whereby VPs are interpreted as subjects (Figures), and adjuncts as predicates (Grounds). If tenable, the analysis requires no additional mode of combination for adjuncts (pair Merge, predicate composition, etc), apart from Chomsky’s (set) Merge. Given the nature of the matters to be discussed, the paper has the most general goal of reexamining the consequences of Chomsky’s (2008) recent label-free conception of Bare Phrase Structure (BPS) for Hale & Keyser’s l-syntax.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
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Part 1. Semantic and syntactic properties of the event structure
- Aspectual composition in causatives 13
- Atelicity and anticausativization 35
- Minimalist variability in the verb phrase 69
- On the l-syntax of manner and causation 89
- Nominalization, event, aspect and argument structure 113
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Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
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Part 3. Syntactic heads involved in argument structure
- An l-syntax for adjuncts 183
- The derivation of dative alternations 203
- Basque ditransitives 233
- Applicative structure and Mandarin ditransitives 261
- Unintentionally out of control 283
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Part 4. Argument structure in language acquisition
- Zero time-arguments in French child language 305
- Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure 325
- Name and subject index 345
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
-
Part 1. Semantic and syntactic properties of the event structure
- Aspectual composition in causatives 13
- Atelicity and anticausativization 35
- Minimalist variability in the verb phrase 69
- On the l-syntax of manner and causation 89
- Nominalization, event, aspect and argument structure 113
-
Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
-
Part 3. Syntactic heads involved in argument structure
- An l-syntax for adjuncts 183
- The derivation of dative alternations 203
- Basque ditransitives 233
- Applicative structure and Mandarin ditransitives 261
- Unintentionally out of control 283
-
Part 4. Argument structure in language acquisition
- Zero time-arguments in French child language 305
- Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure 325
- Name and subject index 345
