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Local Instability

Split Topicalization and Quantifier Float in German

Dennis Ott

Résumé

This monograph argues for a novel approach to split topicalization and quantifier float in German, based on the premise that syntactic structure-building proceeds solely via free application of Merge. Following recent developments in the pursuit of a more principled theory of syntax, it is argued that the stipulative notion of 'projection' ought to be dispensed with: syntactic objects created by Merge are not headed, and endocentricity arises due to a simple search algorithm. When this algorithm fails, specifically in symmetric {XP,YP} structures, an unlabeled constituent results; where a label is required, such structures are locally unstable. It is argued that both split topics and floated quantifiers are the result of this kind of local instability: when an exocentric predication structure is merged in argument or adjunct position, XP must be displaced at the phase level to allow for determination of a label. It is this symmetry-breaking movement that yields the 'split constituent' in surface form. Based on careful empirical scrutiny of two recalcitrant problems for syntactic theory, the present work adduces substantial support for a 'minimalist' grammatical architecture devoid of phrase-structural residue.

Détails de l'édition

ISBN-13
9783110290370
ISBN-10
3110290375
EAN
9783110290370
Éditeur
De Gruyter (Berlin)
Date de publication
1 janvier 2012
Langue
en
Pages
0
Dimensions
24 cm
Provenance des données
  • dimensions BnF Catalogue général · 23 juillet 2026
  • language Google Books · 5 septembre 2026
  • page_count Google Books · 5 septembre 2026
  • publication_date BnF Catalogue général · 23 juillet 2026
  • subtitle Open Library · 24 juillet 2026
  • summary Google Books · 5 septembre 2026
  • title Open Library · 24 juillet 2026