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Assigning reference in clausal nominalizations

Abstract

Nominalizations in Blackfoot can be formed of full clauses, and depending on the properties of the clause from which the nominalization is formed, the referent of the nominalization varies. In this paper I describe the patterns of reference assignment in Blackfoot nominalizations, and develop an analysis to account for the various patterns. I demonstrate that clausal nominalizations partition according to clause type: in matrix clause nominalizations the referent is a grammatical argument (subject or object), but in subordinate clauses it is not (thematic object or oblique). I propose that reference assignment in clausal nominalizations is achieved via an agreement relation with an N feature, and that the two types of nominalizations differ with respect to where this N feature is realized.

Abstract

Nominalizations in Blackfoot can be formed of full clauses, and depending on the properties of the clause from which the nominalization is formed, the referent of the nominalization varies. In this paper I describe the patterns of reference assignment in Blackfoot nominalizations, and develop an analysis to account for the various patterns. I demonstrate that clausal nominalizations partition according to clause type: in matrix clause nominalizations the referent is a grammatical argument (subject or object), but in subordinate clauses it is not (thematic object or oblique). I propose that reference assignment in clausal nominalizations is achieved via an agreement relation with an N feature, and that the two types of nominalizations differ with respect to where this N feature is realized.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Cross-linguistic investigations of nominalization patterns vii
  4. Part 1. Verbal structure inside nominalizations
  5. Nominalizations in Ojibwe 3
  6. Nominalizing Inner Aspect 25
  7. Nominalization instead of modification 51
  8. Part 2. The referent of nominalization
  9. Assigning reference in clausal nominalizations 85
  10. Simple event nominalizations 119
  11. Malagasy fact- and claim-type nominals 145
  12. Part The nature of the nominalizer
  13. Derivation by gender in Lithuanian 169
  14. Patterns of nominalization in Blackfoot 189
  15. Index 215
Cross-linguistic Investigations of Nominalization Patterns
This chapter is in the book Cross-linguistic Investigations of Nominalization Patterns
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.210.04bli

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Cross-linguistic investigations of nominalization patterns vii
  4. Part 1. Verbal structure inside nominalizations
  5. Nominalizations in Ojibwe 3
  6. Nominalizing Inner Aspect 25
  7. Nominalization instead of modification 51
  8. Part 2. The referent of nominalization
  9. Assigning reference in clausal nominalizations 85
  10. Simple event nominalizations 119
  11. Malagasy fact- and claim-type nominals 145
  12. Part The nature of the nominalizer
  13. Derivation by gender in Lithuanian 169
  14. Patterns of nominalization in Blackfoot 189
  15. Index 215
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