Multiple spell-out approach to wh-fronting
This thesis adopts the framework of the Phase Theory as outlined in Chomsky (2000; 2001) and puts forward a novel approach to wh-question formation. It compares a single wh-fronting language (English) with a multiple wh-fronting language (Polish) and provides a unified account of the derivation of wh-questions in the languages under consideration. I argue that the differences in structural representations of multiple wh-questions between Polish and English are attributed to the differences in mapping to PF. The assumption is adopted that Spell-Out does not apply in a uniform manner across languages. More specifically, while Polish is subject to multiple Spell-Out, which applies at the level of every strong phase (v*P and CP), in English, Spell-Out is based on convergence and applies once the syntactic derivation is completed. This work adopts a split-CP approach to clause structure (Rizzi 1997; 2001) and argues that features participating in wh-movement in Polish and English involve [Wh; Q], an assumption which has recently been challenged in the literature. Finally, the phenomenon of Sluicing is investigated and it is illustrated that the asymmetries in Superiority effects between fully-fledged wh-questions
Turek, Mariola
Multiple spell-out approach to wh-fronting. This thesis adopts the framework of the Phase Theory as outlined in Chomsky (2000; 2001) and puts forward a novel approach to wh-question formation. It compares a single wh-fronting language (English) with a multiple wh-fronting language (Polish) and provides a unified account of the derivation of wh-questions in the languages under consideration. I argue that the differences in structural representations of multiple wh-questions between Polish and English are attributed to the differences in mapping to PF. The assumption is adopted that Spell-Out does not apply in a uniform manner across languages. More specifically, while Polish is subject to multiple Spell-Out, which applies at the level of every strong phase (v*P and CP), in English, Spell-Out is based on convergence and applies once the syntactic derivation is completed. This work adopts a split-CP approach to clause structure (Rizzi 1997; 2001) and argues that features participating in wh-movement in Polish and English involve [Wh; Q], an assumption which has recently been challenged in the literature. Finally, the phenomenon of Sluicing is investigated and it is illustrated that the asymmetries in Superiority effects between fully-fledged wh-questions
multiple spell_out fronting adopts framework phase theory outline chomsky person put_forward novel question formation compare single fronting language english multiple fronting language polish provide unified account derivation wh_questions languages consideration argue difference structural representation multiple wh_questions polish english attribute difference map assumption adopt spell_out apply uniform manner across_language specifically polish subject multiple spell_out applies level every strong phase english spell_out base convergence applies syntactic derivation complete work adopts split clause_structure person argue feature participate wh_movement polish english involve assumption recently challenge literature finally phenomenon investigate illustrated asymmetry superiority effect fully fledged wh_questions