Unifying optional Wh-movement
This thesis puts forward a theory that attempts to unify optional wh-movement within the Minimalist framework. Optionality is generally problematic for a theory ofMinimalist syntax: movement, when motivated, must occur. This thesis argues that having a wh-movement language does not strictly entail that wh-phrases appear fronted in surface syntax. Essentially, the formal optionality of wh-movement is predicted to fall out via the multiple satisfaction of the EPP. Wh-movement languages all possess equally economical options to leave wh-phrases in-situ without a need to postulate an optional EPP feature or multiple grammars. There are three core pillars to the theory proposed. First, the QuP hypothesis proposes that universally, a question particle Qu, which is seen to be a variable over choice functions, takes a wh-phrase as its complement to form a larger constituent. Second, it is proposed that the principle driving force of optional movement lies in the Featural Subset Hypothesis. The FSH proposes that the EPP is not parasitic on Agree; rather, the EPP along with other features can be arranged into a subset conïŹguration. Depending on the conïŹguration, three types of equally economical movement can result:
Yeo, Weichiang Norman
Unifying optional Wh-movement. This thesis puts forward a theory that attempts to unify optional wh-movement within the Minimalist framework. Optionality is generally problematic for a theory ofMinimalist syntax: movement, when motivated, must occur. This thesis argues that having a wh-movement language does not strictly entail that wh-phrases appear fronted in surface syntax. Essentially, the formal optionality of wh-movement is predicted to fall out via the multiple satisfaction of the EPP. Wh-movement languages all possess equally economical options to leave wh-phrases in-situ without a need to postulate an optional EPP feature or multiple grammars. There are three core pillars to the theory proposed. First, the QuP hypothesis proposes that universally, a question particle Qu, which is seen to be a variable over choice functions, takes a wh-phrase as its complement to form a larger constituent. Second, it is proposed that the principle driving force of optional movement lies in the Featural Subset Hypothesis. The FSH proposes that the EPP is not parasitic on Agree; rather, the EPP along with other features can be arranged into a subset conïŹguration. Depending on the conïŹguration, three types of equally economical movement can result:
unifying optional wh_movement put_forward theory attempt unify optional wh_movement within_minimalist framework optionality generally problematic theory syntax movement motivate must occur argues wh_movement language strictly entail appear front surface syntax essentially formal optionality wh_movement predict fall via multiple satisfaction wh_movement languages posse equally economical option leave situ without need postulate optional feature multiple grammar three_core pillar theory propose first hypothesis_propose universally question particle see variable choice function take phrase complement form large constituent second propose principle drive_force optional movement lie subset hypothesis propose agree rather along feature arrange subset depending three_type equally economical movement