Restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada
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Brian Agbayani
Abstract
In this paper we discuss restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada, a Dravidian language. We show that Kannada uses mono-clausal lexical/VPlevel restructuring, as proposed in Wurmbrand (2001, 2004) for German, and argue that embedded non-finite clauses are invariably “restructured” VPs. This lexical/VP-level restructuring is quite widespread in Kannada and is the only type of restructuring that this language allows. We show that tense/Agreement, though morphologically rich in this language is syntactically inert in that it does not license case or motivate NP raising. Moreover, both infinitival and finite clauses exhibit “VP-like” behavior.We further argue that these facts require a new typology for clausal architecture.
Abstract
In this paper we discuss restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada, a Dravidian language. We show that Kannada uses mono-clausal lexical/VPlevel restructuring, as proposed in Wurmbrand (2001, 2004) for German, and argue that embedded non-finite clauses are invariably “restructured” VPs. This lexical/VP-level restructuring is quite widespread in Kannada and is the only type of restructuring that this language allows. We show that tense/Agreement, though morphologically rich in this language is syntactically inert in that it does not license case or motivate NP raising. Moreover, both infinitival and finite clauses exhibit “VP-like” behavior.We further argue that these facts require a new typology for clausal architecture.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Phrasal and clausal architecture 1
- Restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada 8
- The position of adverbials 25
- Bare, generic, mass, and referential Arabic DPs 40
- The possessor raising construction and the interpretation of subject 66
- Syntactic labels and their derivations 93
- Separating “Focus Movement” from Focus 108
- In search for Phases 146
- Wh-movement, interpretation, and optionality in Persian 167
- Structure preservingness, internal Merge, and the strict locality of triads 188
- Using description to teach (about) prescription 206
- ‘More complicated and hence, rarer’ 221
- Prescriptive grammar 243
- The syntax of valuation and the interpretability of features 262
- Linear sequencing strategies or UG-defined hierarchical structures in L2 acquisition? 295
- Minimalism vs. organic syntax 319
- Location and locality 339
- Conceptual space 365
- ‘Adjunct theta-roles’ and the configurational determination of roles 396
- Author index 412
- Subject index 417
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Phrasal and clausal architecture 1
- Restructuring and clausal architecture in Kannada 8
- The position of adverbials 25
- Bare, generic, mass, and referential Arabic DPs 40
- The possessor raising construction and the interpretation of subject 66
- Syntactic labels and their derivations 93
- Separating “Focus Movement” from Focus 108
- In search for Phases 146
- Wh-movement, interpretation, and optionality in Persian 167
- Structure preservingness, internal Merge, and the strict locality of triads 188
- Using description to teach (about) prescription 206
- ‘More complicated and hence, rarer’ 221
- Prescriptive grammar 243
- The syntax of valuation and the interpretability of features 262
- Linear sequencing strategies or UG-defined hierarchical structures in L2 acquisition? 295
- Minimalism vs. organic syntax 319
- Location and locality 339
- Conceptual space 365
- ‘Adjunct theta-roles’ and the configurational determination of roles 396
- Author index 412
- Subject index 417
