Semi-lexical heads in Czech modal structures
This thesis argues for a semi-lexical interpretation of Czech modal verbs. It demonstrates that Czech modals participate in syntactic structures that contain a finite verb followed by multiple infinitives (verb clusters), such as Jan musel chtĂ­t zaÄĂ­t studovat lingvistiku âJohn had to want to begin studying linguistics.â The term Complex Verbal Domain (CVD) is devised for the verbal part of these structures. The analysis seeks to offer a unified account of modal verbs in Czech in respect of their subcategorization frame in the Lexicon and semantic properties (âmodal meaningâ). It also attempts to clarify the confusion regarding modal verbs and modality in traditional Czech grammars by shifting the attention from pragmatics to an approach based on recent development of generative syntax (Chomsky 1998, 2000, 2001). Following the examination of syntactic behaviour of Czech modals in the CVD structure, the thesis proceeds to modify Emondsâ (1985, 2000) theory of semilexicality. This approach assumes that Czech modals are neither fully functional (due to properties such as rich morphological paradigm, ability to undergo Negation, Reflexivization and PF movement), nor fully lexical (they are unable
Kyncl, Jaroslav
Syntax ; Czech language ; Modal verbs ; Semi-lexical ; Minimalist ; Complex verbs ; Complex verbal domain ; Infinitives
Semi-lexical heads in Czech modal structures. This thesis argues for a semi-lexical interpretation of Czech modal verbs. It demonstrates that Czech modals participate in syntactic structures that contain a finite verb followed by multiple infinitives (verb clusters), such as Jan musel chtĂ­t zaÄĂ­t studovat lingvistiku âJohn had to want to begin studying linguistics.â The term Complex Verbal Domain (CVD) is devised for the verbal part of these structures. The analysis seeks to offer a unified account of modal verbs in Czech in respect of their subcategorization frame in the Lexicon and semantic properties (âmodal meaningâ). It also attempts to clarify the confusion regarding modal verbs and modality in traditional Czech grammars by shifting the attention from pragmatics to an approach based on recent development of generative syntax (Chomsky 1998, 2000, 2001). Following the examination of syntactic behaviour of Czech modals in the CVD structure, the thesis proceeds to modify Emondsâ (1985, 2000) theory of semilexicality. This approach assumes that Czech modals are neither fully functional (due to properties such as rich morphological paradigm, ability to undergo Negation, Reflexivization and PF movement), nor fully lexical (they are unable
semi lexical head czech modal structure argues semi lexical interpretation czech modal verb demonstrates czech modal participate syntactic_structure contain finite verb follow multiple infinitive verb cluster john want begin study linguistics term complex verbal domain devise verbal part structure analysis seek offer unified_account modal_verb czech respect frame lexicon semantic_property modal meaning also attempt_clarify confusion regard modal_verb modality traditional czech grammar shift attention pragmatic base recent_development generative syntax chomsky following examination syntactic_behaviour czech modal structure proceeds modify emonds theory assumes czech modal neither fully functional due property rich morphological paradigm ability undergo negation movement fully lexical unable