Spec-head Licensing : the scope of the theory
This dissertation is a study of Spec-head Licensing within the Principles and Parameters framework. I examine Spec-head Licensing in three configurations, namely Polarity Item Licensing, Focussing and the Clitic-Construction. The language providing most of the data is Modern Greek (MG). I also discuss English and Romance data. In chapter II, I examine Existential Polarity Items (EPI's). I argue that there is a cluster of properties that can be attributed to propositional operators, the operators modifying the proposition in the philosopher's sense of the term. Namely, propositional operators license EPI's and give rise to inner island effects. The claim is advanced for MG and English. It is further suggested that there are interpretational differences between EPI anyone and someone. In chapter III, I consider properties of foci. I claim that the Focus-Criterion is different from the Wh-Criterion. It is also argued that foci always have scope over Neg. Finally, I present some evidence against Quantifier Raising. It is suggested that scope ambiguity between quantifiers is an epiphenomenon bearing crucially on the Focus-Criterion. In chapter IV, I look at the Clitic-Construction (CLC), the construction involving
Agouraki, Yoryia
Spec-head Licensing : the scope of the theory. This dissertation is a study of Spec-head Licensing within the Principles and Parameters framework. I examine Spec-head Licensing in three configurations, namely Polarity Item Licensing, Focussing and the Clitic-Construction. The language providing most of the data is Modern Greek (MG). I also discuss English and Romance data. In chapter II, I examine Existential Polarity Items (EPI's). I argue that there is a cluster of properties that can be attributed to propositional operators, the operators modifying the proposition in the philosopher's sense of the term. Namely, propositional operators license EPI's and give rise to inner island effects. The claim is advanced for MG and English. It is further suggested that there are interpretational differences between EPI anyone and someone. In chapter III, I consider properties of foci. I claim that the Focus-Criterion is different from the Wh-Criterion. It is also argued that foci always have scope over Neg. Finally, I present some evidence against Quantifier Raising. It is suggested that scope ambiguity between quantifiers is an epiphenomenon bearing crucially on the Focus-Criterion. In chapter IV, I look at the Clitic-Construction (CLC), the construction involving
spec_head licensing scope theory study spec_head licensing within_principles parameters framework examine spec_head licensing configuration namely polarity item licensing focussing clitic construction language provide data modern_greek also_discuss english romance data examine existential polarity argue cluster property attribute propositional operator operator modify proposition philosopher sense term namely propositional operator license give_rise inner island effect claim advance english suggest difference anyone someone iii consider property foci claim focus criterion different criterion also_argue foci always scope finally present_evidence quantifier raising suggest scope ambiguity quantifier bear crucially focus criterion look clitic construction construction involve