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On the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head

Ignoring the left periphery is always at your own risk

Abstract

This paper examines the multi-dimensional Grafting mechanism of van Riemsdijk (2006), which focuses on the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head, and whose effect is, in certain cases, to circumvent constraints imposed by the left periphery on long-distance movement. The constructions for which Grafting has been invoked are examined one by one and compared to specific alternatives based on bi-dimensional representations; it is argued that the Grafting analyses have no advantage over their competitors for accounting for the relevant projections and clause edges. Arguments come from Transparent Free Relatives, by refining proposals in Grosu (2003, and include a new approach to the far from simple construction and to two Lakovian amalgams.

Abstract

This paper examines the multi-dimensional Grafting mechanism of van Riemsdijk (2006), which focuses on the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head, and whose effect is, in certain cases, to circumvent constraints imposed by the left periphery on long-distance movement. The constructions for which Grafting has been invoked are examined one by one and compared to specific alternatives based on bi-dimensional representations; it is argued that the Grafting analyses have no advantage over their competitors for accounting for the relevant projections and clause edges. Arguments come from Transparent Free Relatives, by refining proposals in Grosu (2003, and include a new approach to the far from simple construction and to two Lakovian amalgams.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. Introduction 1
  5. Part I. Edges
  6. Why edges are needed 11
  7. Bare nouns with different edges 23
  8. Implicit agentivity without agents in the syntax 47
  9. On the edge -feature of particles, interjections, and short answers 67
  10. The grammar of polarity particles in Romanian 87
  11. Part II. Heads and projections
  12. Evidentials as generalized functional heads 127
  13. On the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head 151
  14. Predication and the nature of non-finite relatives in Romance 191
  15. On the asymmetry of root versus embedded clauses 215
  16. The cartography of phases 233
  17. Index 263
Edges, Heads, and Projections
This chapter is in the book Edges, Heads, and Projections
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.156.11gro

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. List of contributors vii
  4. Introduction 1
  5. Part I. Edges
  6. Why edges are needed 11
  7. Bare nouns with different edges 23
  8. Implicit agentivity without agents in the syntax 47
  9. On the edge -feature of particles, interjections, and short answers 67
  10. The grammar of polarity particles in Romanian 87
  11. Part II. Heads and projections
  12. Evidentials as generalized functional heads 127
  13. On the pre-theoretical notion phrasal head 151
  14. Predication and the nature of non-finite relatives in Romance 191
  15. On the asymmetry of root versus embedded clauses 215
  16. The cartography of phases 233
  17. Index 263
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