Moving heads to specifiers : Evidence from Mandarin multiple pre-subject modals
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
Author(s)
Related Research Unit(s)
Detail(s)
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 247-272 |
| Journal / Publication | Natural Language & Linguistic Theory |
| Volume | 42 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Online published | 2 Aug 2023 |
| Publication status | Published - Feb 2024 |
Link(s)
Abstract
Based on a hitherto neglected set of multiple pre-subject modal sentences, this article offers a novel syntactic account of Mandarin modals whereby the derivation of pre-subject modal sentences involves Internal Merge of modals to specifiers of the left-peripheral focus projection, and discusses new problems facing a traditional head-movement analysis and the existing XP-movement accounts. Our proposal lends novel support to recent claims that “true” syntactic head movement targets specifier positions. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2023.
Research Area(s)
- (Internal) Merge, Head movement, Mandarin, Modals
Citation Format(s)
Moving heads to specifiers: Evidence from Mandarin multiple pre-subject modals. / Lai, Jackie Yan-Ki; Li, Haoming.
In: Natural Language & Linguistic Theory, Vol. 42, No. 1, 02.2024, p. 247-272.
In: Natural Language & Linguistic Theory, Vol. 42, No. 1, 02.2024, p. 247-272.
Research output: Journal Publications and Reviews › RGC 21 - Publication in refereed journal › peer-review
