The syntax of yes-no questions and answers in Thai
This thesis shows a close syntactic relation between yes-no questions (YNQs) and answers (also called yes-no replies, YNRs) in Thai, based on the theory of questions and answers in Holmberg (2010, to appear). To show this correspondence, the semantics and syntax of YNQ particles in Thai are analysed. It is assumed that every YNQ particle in Thai necessarily includes either overt or covert r âQ/ orâ, a disjunctive particle. As part of a question particle, r âQ/ orâ is argued to have the features [Alt(ernative)] and [uFoc]. The [Alt] feature restricts r âQ/ orâ to conjoining (or âdisjoiningâ) two polarity phrases (PolPs) with identical content but opposite polarity, affirmative or negative. The Pol head of PolP can only merge with verbal categories; therefore, r âQ/ orâ conjoins verbal categories only. The [uFoc] feature makes r âQ/ orâ the question focus, distinguishing it from a declarative disjunctive sentence with r âorâ. With these features, YNQs in Thai are seen as disjunctive constructions where r âQ/ orâ conjoins two PolPs to form a question of which the second conjunct is deleted at PF. Based on the syntax of the question they mark, YNQ particles are classified into two
Yaisomanang, Somphob
The syntax of yes-no questions and answers in Thai. This thesis shows a close syntactic relation between yes-no questions (YNQs) and answers (also called yes-no replies, YNRs) in Thai, based on the theory of questions and answers in Holmberg (2010, to appear). To show this correspondence, the semantics and syntax of YNQ particles in Thai are analysed. It is assumed that every YNQ particle in Thai necessarily includes either overt or covert r âQ/ orâ, a disjunctive particle. As part of a question particle, r âQ/ orâ is argued to have the features [Alt(ernative)] and [uFoc]. The [Alt] feature restricts r âQ/ orâ to conjoining (or âdisjoiningâ) two polarity phrases (PolPs) with identical content but opposite polarity, affirmative or negative. The Pol head of PolP can only merge with verbal categories; therefore, r âQ/ orâ conjoins verbal categories only. The [uFoc] feature makes r âQ/ orâ the question focus, distinguishing it from a declarative disjunctive sentence with r âorâ. With these features, YNQs in Thai are seen as disjunctive constructions where r âQ/ orâ conjoins two PolPs to form a question of which the second conjunct is deleted at PF. Based on the syntax of the question they mark, YNQ particles are classified into two
syntax yes question_answer thai show close syntactic relation yes question answer also call yes reply thai base theory question_answer appear show correspondence semantics_syntax particle thai analyse assume every particle thai necessarily include either overt covert particle part question particle argue feature feature restrict polarity phrase identical content opposite polarity affirmative negative head merge verbal category therefore conjoin verbal category only feature make question focus distinguish declarative sentence feature thai see construction form question second delete based syntax question mark classify