Atelicity and anticausativization
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Ekaterina Lyutikova
Abstract
Various interactions between argument structure and eventuality type are currently attracting much attention. In this paper, we contribute to the field by examining one specific type of such an interaction not much addressed in the literature so far — that between anticausativization and (a)telicity of a verbal predicate. We focus on how anticausativization affects the range of interpretations of non-culminating accomplishments, showing that proper understanding of this phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for the analysis of (the denotation of) vP. We argue that inertia modality can be introduced at different levels within vP, and this explains why different kinds of non-culmination are affected by the anticausative in different ways.
Abstract
Various interactions between argument structure and eventuality type are currently attracting much attention. In this paper, we contribute to the field by examining one specific type of such an interaction not much addressed in the literature so far — that between anticausativization and (a)telicity of a verbal predicate. We focus on how anticausativization affects the range of interpretations of non-culminating accomplishments, showing that proper understanding of this phenomenon has far-reaching consequences for the analysis of (the denotation of) vP. We argue that inertia modality can be introduced at different levels within vP, and this explains why different kinds of non-culmination are affected by the anticausative in different ways.
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
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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
-
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
