Episode 6a. Head movement 5.4-5.5 CAS LX 522 Syntax I

Episode 6a. Head movementEpisode 6a. Head movement

5.4-5.55.4-5.5

CAS LX 522CAS LX 522Syntax ISyntax I

Recap: featuresRecap: features

The The lexiconlexicon contains bundles of features. These contains bundles of features. These feature bundles are assembled by a feature bundles are assembled by a computational process into syntactic structures computational process into syntactic structures for interpretation by the conceptual-intensional for interpretation by the conceptual-intensional an articulatory-perceptual systems.an articulatory-perceptual systems.

Among these features, we haveAmong these features, we have Interpretable featuresInterpretable features (such as the category feature (such as the category feature

that determines the category of the lexical item)that determines the category of the lexical item) Uninterpretable featuresUninterpretable features (such as the selectional (such as the selectional

feature [feature [uuN] on a transitive verb). Uninterpretable N] on a transitive verb). Uninterpretable features are intolerable at the interfaces, and must be features are intolerable at the interfaces, and must be removed (by removed (by checkingchecking) or the derivation crashes.) or the derivation crashes.

Recap: uninterpretable Recap: uninterpretable featuresfeatures

Uninterpretable features vary along two dimensions. Uninterpretable features vary along two dimensions. PrivativePrivative vs. vs. unvaluedunvalued and and strongstrong vs. vs. weakweak.. Privative featuresPrivative features (such as [ (such as [uuN]) which are checked by N]) which are checked by

matching features (such as [N] or [matching features (such as [N] or [uuN]).N]). Unvalued featuresUnvalued features (such as [uInfl:]) which are checked (such as [uInfl:]) which are checked

by features that can provide a value (such as [tense:past]).by features that can provide a value (such as [tense:past]).

StrongStrong uninterpretable features can only be checked if uninterpretable features can only be checked if they are they are locallocal (sister) to the feature that checks them. (sister) to the feature that checks them.

WeakWeak uninterpretable features can be “checked at a uninterpretable features can be “checked at a distance.”distance.”

Strong features can force movement, but because Strong features can force movement, but because the system is economical (lazy), no movement is the system is economical (lazy), no movement is allowed just to check a weak feature.allowed just to check a weak feature.

Recap: Matching and Recap: Matching and CheckingChecking

CheckingChecking is relation between an uninterpretable is relation between an uninterpretable feature and a feature and a matching matching feature, allowing the feature, allowing the uninterpretable feature to be ignored at the uninterpretable feature to be ignored at the interface.interface.

For two features to match:For two features to match: One must c-command the other.One must c-command the other. There must not be a closer feature that could match. There must not be a closer feature that could match.

(p218)(p218) [[uuF] … [F] … [F]F] … [F] … [F] [F] … [F] … [[F] … [F] … [uuF]F]

If the uninterpretable feature is strong, the If the uninterpretable feature is strong, the matching feature must be local (e.g., a feature of the matching feature must be local (e.g., a feature of the sister) in order for the uninterpretable feature to be sister) in order for the uninterpretable feature to be checked.checked. For [For [uuV*V*] on ] on vv, it matches the [V] feature of the verb , it matches the [V] feature of the verb

below it, then the verb must move up to below it, then the verb must move up to vv to check [ to check [uuV*V*].]. For [For [uuInfl:*Infl:*] on an auxiliary, the [tense:past] feature ] on an auxiliary, the [tense:past] feature

(above it) matches it and values it, then the auxiliary must (above it) matches it and values it, then the auxiliary must move up to T for the feature to be checked.move up to T for the feature to be checked.

Recap: MergeRecap: Merge MergeMerge: create a new syntactic object from two : create a new syntactic object from two

existing syntactic objects, with the label (features) existing syntactic objects, with the label (features) projectingprojecting from one. Merge happens for one of from one. Merge happens for one of two reasons:two reasons:

To check an uninterpretable featureTo check an uninterpretable feature: the label : the label of the one with the uninterpretable feature of the one with the uninterpretable feature projects.projects. Now that we have strong features, we will consider Now that we have strong features, we will consider

selectional features to be strong features, i.e. [selectional features to be strong features, i.e. [uuN*], N*], checked locally under sisterhood created by Merge.checked locally under sisterhood created by Merge.

To satisfy the Hierarchy of ProjectionsTo satisfy the Hierarchy of Projections: the : the label of the higher one in the hierarchy projects label of the higher one in the hierarchy projects and no features are checked.and no features are checked. This only happens once all of the strong uninterpretable This only happens once all of the strong uninterpretable

features in the non-projecting object have been checked features in the non-projecting object have been checked (and any adjunctions to be done have been done)(and any adjunctions to be done have been done)

Recap: Adjoin, Agree, Recap: Adjoin, Agree, HoPHoP

AdjoinAdjoin is like Merge, but it does not result in is like Merge, but it does not result in the checking of a feature.the checking of a feature. Merge always takes priority over Adjoin, so Adjoin Merge always takes priority over Adjoin, so Adjoin

only happens once the (strong) uninterpretable only happens once the (strong) uninterpretable features of the object being adjoined to are checked.features of the object being adjoined to are checked.

Adjoining YP to XP results in another XP (the Adjoining YP to XP results in another XP (the maximal projection is extended), so YP becomes in maximal projection is extended), so YP becomes in essence both a daughter and a sister to XP.essence both a daughter and a sister to XP.

AgreeAgree is the operation that checks (and values is the operation that checks (and values where appropriate) features under c-command.where appropriate) features under c-command.

Hierarchy of Projections:Hierarchy of Projections:T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > vv > V > V

MoveMove There are two basic kinds of movement.There are two basic kinds of movement. One is One is head-movementhead-movement, where a head , where a head

moves up to join with another head.moves up to join with another head. Examples: V moves to Examples: V moves to vv, Perf moves to T, Perf moves to T

The other is The other is XP-movementXP-movement, where a , where a maximal projection moves up to a maximal projection moves up to a specifier of a higher phrase.specifier of a higher phrase. Example: The subject moving to SpecTP.Example: The subject moving to SpecTP.

Both happen because a strong Both happen because a strong uninterpretable feature needs to be uninterpretable feature needs to be checked.checked.

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Yes, Yes, againagain with this sentence, but now with this sentence, but now

with nearly all of our technology in with nearly all of our technology in place. Our workspace (numeration) place. Our workspace (numeration) starts out as shown here.starts out as shown here.

EatEat has a has a ThemeTheme -role to assign.-role to assign. Eat Eat has strong uninterpretable [has strong uninterpretable [uuN*N*] feature.] feature.

vvagentagent has an has an AgentAgent -role to assign.-role to assign. vvagentagent has a strong uninterpretable [ has a strong uninterpretable [uuN*N*] ]

feature.feature. VV always moves to always moves to vv..

vv always has a strong uninterpretable [ always has a strong uninterpretable [uuV*V*] ] feature.feature.

Verbs are inflected for tense.Verbs are inflected for tense. vv always has an unvalued Infl feature [ always has an unvalued Infl feature [uuInfl:Infl:].].

The subject always moves (in English) to The subject always moves (in English) to SpecTP.SpecTP. TT has a strong unintepretable [ has a strong unintepretable [uN*uN*] feature.] feature.

Pat [N]

lunch [N]

T[tense:past,T, uN*, …]

eat[V, uN*]

vagent

[v, uN*,uInfl:, uV*]

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Step 1.Step 1. Merge Merge eateat and and lunchlunch..

HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > vv > > VV

We have to take care of V first.We have to take care of V first.

The [The [uuN*N*] feature is now c-] feature is now c-commanded by the [N] feature of commanded by the [N] feature of lunch.lunch.

The [The [uuN*N*] feature is strong, requiring ] feature is strong, requiring that it be local to the [N] feature in that it be local to the [N] feature in order to be checked. Sisters are local, order to be checked. Sisters are local, the checking succeeds.the checking succeeds.

The features of The features of eateat project, since it project, since it had its feature checked. All strong had its feature checked. All strong features are checked, so this is the features are checked, so this is the maximal projection of V (VP).maximal projection of V (VP).

Pat [N]

NPlunch[N]


Veat

[V, uN*]

vagent


VP

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Step 2.Step 2. Merge Merge vvagentagent and and VPVP..

HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > (Prog) > vv > V > V

V is finished, we have a V is finished, we have a vv, so we , so we need to Merge them next.need to Merge them next.

No features are checked as a No features are checked as a result of this step.result of this step.

The features of The features of vvagentagent project, project, since it is higher on the HoP.since it is higher on the HoP.

vvagentagent still has unchecked still has unchecked strong features, so this is an strong features, so this is an intermediate projection of intermediate projection of vv ( (vv).).

Pat [N]

NPlunch[N]


Veat

[V, uN*]

vagent


VP

vv [uN*, uInfl:, uV*]

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Step 3.Step 3. Move Move VV to to vv..

There were two options for this There were two options for this step, either moving V to step, either moving V to vv (to (to check the [check the [uuV*V*] feature) or ] feature) or Merging Pat and Merging Pat and vv (to check the (to check the [[uuN*N*] feature).] feature).

We will suppose that head-We will suppose that head-movement happens first, as soon movement happens first, as soon as the head is integrated into the as the head is integrated into the structure.structure.

The [The [uuV*V*] feature of ] feature of vv c- c-commands the [V] feature of commands the [V] feature of eateat. The [. The [uuV*V*] feature is strong, ] feature is strong, so it must be local to [V] in so it must be local to [V] in order to be checked. Head-order to be checked. Head-movement yields a local movement yields a local relation, the checking succeeds.relation, the checking succeeds.

The features of The features of vv are just the are just the features of features of vv, so , so vv also no also no longer has an unchecked [longer has an unchecked [uuV*V*] ] feature.feature.

Nothing new projects…Nothing new projects…

Pat [N]

NPlunch[N]


<V>

vagent


VP

vv [uN*, uInfl:, uV*]+V

eat[V]

Interlude: What happens Interlude: What happens when V moves to when V moves to vv??

When V moves to When V moves to vv, they combine in a , they combine in a way that we have been writing just as way that we have been writing just as V+V+vv. Let’s be more precise.. Let’s be more precise.

In fact, we assume that V In fact, we assume that V head-head-adjoinsadjoins (adjoins, head-to-head) to (adjoins, head-to-head) to vv. . This is the same sort of structure that This is the same sort of structure that Adjoin creates between maximal Adjoin creates between maximal projections.projections. In the structure, the In the structure, the vv head is replaced head is replaced

by the by the vv head with V adjoined. head with V adjoined.

Adjunction does not change projection Adjunction does not change projection levels—levels—vv is still a minimal projection, is still a minimal projection, still the head of still the head of vvP. But it is a P. But it is a complex headcomplex head (it’s a (it’s a vv with a V with a V adjoined to it).adjoined to it).

VP

NP

v

eatv

v

V[uV*, …]

<V>


We should also consider what happens We should also consider what happens to the VP from which the V moved.to the VP from which the V moved.

It is still a VP, it must still have a head.It is still a VP, it must still have a head. The features of the VP are the features of The features of the VP are the features of

the head (recall for example, that the head (recall for example, that checking the uninterpretable feature on checking the uninterpretable feature on the head is the same as checking the the head is the same as checking the uninterpretable feature on the projection uninterpretable feature on the projection of the head). The VP is still a of the head). The VP is still a VVP, its head P, its head is still a verb (with category feature [V]), is still a verb (with category feature [V]), and presumably all the rest of the and presumably all the rest of the features as well.features as well.

We notate the original location of the V We notate the original location of the V by writing <V> (standing for the “trace” by writing <V> (standing for the “trace” left behind by the original V).left behind by the original V).

But since <V> must still be a bundle of But since <V> must still be a bundle of features, the same one that was there features, the same one that was there before movement, <V> is really just before movement, <V> is really just another copy (or, well, the original) of another copy (or, well, the original) of the verb.the verb.

VP

NP

v

eatv

v

V[uV*, …]

<V>


Moral:Moral: “Head-movement” can “Head-movement” can be viewed as Copy+Adjoin.be viewed as Copy+Adjoin.

A copy is made of V.A copy is made of V. The copy of V is adjoined to The copy of V is adjoined to vv..

The original The original vv is replaced by the is replaced by the syntactic object formed by syntactic object formed by Adjoining the copy of V to Adjoining the copy of V to vv..

Preview: we will think of Preview: we will think of movement of the subject in the movement of the subject in the same way (but as Copy+Merge).same way (but as Copy+Merge).

VP

NP

v

eatv

v

V[uV*, …]

<V>


That’s craziness, isn’t it? Now That’s craziness, isn’t it? Now instead of one V, we have two instead of one V, we have two identical copies. Why isn’t this identical copies. Why isn’t this Pat Pat Pat ate ate lunchPat ate ate lunch??

We need both copies (the higher one We need both copies (the higher one to check the feature, the lower one to check the feature, the lower one to head the original projection of V). to head the original projection of V). But on the other hand, the verb was But on the other hand, the verb was picked from the lexicon just once. picked from the lexicon just once.

A-P interface: Only the highest copy A-P interface: Only the highest copy is pronouncedis pronounced.. This is just a precise way to spell out the This is just a precise way to spell out the

idea that you “move it but leave a trace.”idea that you “move it but leave a trace.” Highest copy = the one that is not c-Highest copy = the one that is not c-

commanded by another copy.commanded by another copy. A head V adjoined to another head A head V adjoined to another head vv c- c-

commands the same nodes that commands the same nodes that vv did. did.

VP

NP

v

eatv

v

V[uV*, …]

<V>

vv [uN*, uInfl:, uV*]

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Step 4.Step 4. Merge Merge PatPat and and vv..

Can’t Merge T (would value and Can’t Merge T (would value and check [check [uuInfl:Infl:]) because T is ]) because T is higher on HoP and higher on HoP and vv still has still has strong features left.strong features left.

HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > (Prog) > vv > V > V

The [The [uuN*N*] feature of ] feature of vv is c- is c-commanded by the [N] feature of commanded by the [N] feature of PatPat. The [. The [uuN*N*] feature is strong, ] feature is strong, so it must be local to [N] in order so it must be local to [N] in order to be checked. Sisters are local, to be checked. Sisters are local, the checking succeeds.the checking succeeds.

The features of The features of vv (a.k.a. (a.k.a. vv))project, because it was theproject, because it was theone that had its feature checked.one that had its feature checked.

This is the maximal projectionThis is the maximal projectionof of vv ( (vvP), because it has noP), because it has nofurther strong uninterpretablefurther strong uninterpretablefeatures to check.features to check.

NPPat[N]


NPlunch[N]

<V>vagent


VPv

Veat[V]

vvPP [uN*, uInfl:, uV*]

vv

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Step 5.Step 5. Merge Merge TT and and vvPP..

HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > HoP: T > (Neg) > (Perf) > (Prog) > vv > V > V vv is finished, we have a is finished, we have a TT, so we need to Merge them next., so we need to Merge them next.

No features are checked as a result of this step.No features are checked as a result of this step. The features of The features of TT project, because it is higher on the HoP. project, because it is higher on the HoP. It is an intermediate projection (TIt is an intermediate projection (T) because it still has an ) because it still has an

uninterpretable feature to check.uninterpretable feature to check.

NPPat[N]

T[tense:past, T, uN*, …]

NPlunch[N]

<V>vagent


VPv

Veat[V]

vvPP

TT [ [tense:past, T, uN*, …]

vv

Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch Step 6.Step 6. Agree between Agree between TT and and vv..

TT, and its [tense:past] feature, now c-command , and its [tense:past] feature, now c-command vv and its and its [[uuInfl:] feature.Infl:] feature.

TT values and checks the [ values and checks the [uuInfl:Infl:] feature of ] feature of vv..

NPPat[N]


NPlunch[N]

<V>vagent

[v, uN*, uV*,uInfl:past]

VPv

Veat[V]

vvPP

TT [ [tense:past, T, uN*, …]

vv

Pat ate Pat ate lunchlunch

Step 7.Step 7. Move Move PatPat to the specifier of TP. to the specifier of TP. TT has an strong uninterpretable [ has an strong uninterpretable [uuN*N*] feature.] feature. TT c-commands c-commands PatPat (with an [N] feature that can match (with an [N] feature that can match TT’s [’s [uuN*N*]).]). TT also c-commands also c-commands lunchlunch but but PatPat is closer ( is closer (PatPat c-commands c-commands lunchlunch).). So the NP with the matching feature (So the NP with the matching feature (PatPat) is copied, and Merged.) is copied, and Merged. TT projects (it had the feature checked) and it has no strong projects (it had the feature checked) and it has no strong

uninterpretable features left to check, so it is a maximal projection uninterpretable features left to check, so it is a maximal projection (TP)(TP)

<Pat>


NPlunch[N]

<V>vagent


VPv

Veat[V]

vvPP

TT [ [tense:past, T, uN*, …]NPPat[N]

TPTP

vv

Pat ate Pat ate lunchlunch And that’s it. We have a single object, no And that’s it. We have a single object, no

uninterpretable features left.uninterpretable features left. This is the structure for This is the structure for Pat ate lunchPat ate lunch..

The The finalfinal structure? Well, no. There are some changes we structure? Well, no. There are some changes we will make in coming weeks, concerning the structure of NP will make in coming weeks, concerning the structure of NP and issues relating to case. But it’s quite close.and issues relating to case. But it’s quite close.

<Pat>


NPlunch[N]

<V>vagent


VPv

Veat[V]

vvPP

TT [ [tense:past, T, uN*, …]NPPat[N]

TPTP

Back to our story…Back to our story… Last time, we looked at data like:Last time, we looked at data like:

Pat might not be eating lunch.Pat might not be eating lunch. Pat is not eating lunch.Pat is not eating lunch. Pat has not eaten lunch.Pat has not eaten lunch. Pat did not each lunch.Pat did not each lunch.

And concluded that auxiliary verbs (And concluded that auxiliary verbs (havehave and and bebe) move to T (over ) move to T (over notnot, when T isn’t a modal). , when T isn’t a modal). Main verbs do not move to T (instead we have Main verbs do not move to T (instead we have dodo, which we’ll talk about shortly)., which we’ll talk about shortly).

The [The [uuInfl:] on auxiliaries is strong when valued Infl:] on auxiliaries is strong when valued by T (elsewhere [by T (elsewhere [uuInfl:] is weak)Infl:] is weak).. This is not a shining example of the success of our This is not a shining example of the success of our

model, but this has been a thorn in the side of every model, but this has been a thorn in the side of every model that has ever attempted to explain the special model that has ever attempted to explain the special behavior of auxiliaries.behavior of auxiliaries.

Pat was not eating Pat was not eating lunch.lunch.

Because [Because [uuInfl:Infl:] ] on Prog is valued on Prog is valued by T (becoming by T (becoming [[uuInfl:Infl:past*]), it past*]), it must move up to must move up to (adjoin to) T.(adjoin to) T.

NP

VP

v

vP

<Pat>

lunch

T[tense:past]

T

TP

<eat>

NPPat

v+Veat

Progbe [uInfl:*]

NegP

ProgPNegnot

French vs. EnglishFrench vs. English In English, adverbs cannot come between In English, adverbs cannot come between

the verb and the object.the verb and the object. *Pat eats often apples.*Pat eats often apples. Pat often eats apples.Pat often eats apples.

In French it’s the other way around.In French it’s the other way around. Jean mange souvent des pommes.Jean mange souvent des pommes.

Jean eats often of.the applesJean eats often of.the apples‘Jean often eats apples.’‘Jean often eats apples.’

*Jean souvent mange des pommes.*Jean souvent mange des pommes. If we suppose that the basic structures If we suppose that the basic structures

are the same, why might that be?are the same, why might that be?

French vs. EnglishFrench vs. English Similarly, while only auxiliaries in English Similarly, while only auxiliaries in English

show up before negation (show up before negation (notnot)…)… John doesJohn does notnot lovelove Mary.Mary. JohnJohn hashas notnot eaten apples.eaten apples.

……all verbs seem to show up before all verbs seem to show up before negation (negation (paspas) in French:) in French: Jean (n’)Jean (n’)aimeaime paspas Marie.Marie.

Jean (ne) loves not MarieJean (ne) loves not Marie‘Jean doesn’t love Marie.’‘Jean doesn’t love Marie.’

Jean (n’)Jean (n’)aa pas pas mangé des pommes.mangé des pommes.Jean (ne)has not eaten of.the applesJean (ne)has not eaten of.the apples‘Jean didn’t eat apples.’‘Jean didn’t eat apples.’

V raises to T in FrenchV raises to T in French What it looks like is What it looks like is

that both V and that both V and auxiliaries raise to T auxiliaries raise to T in French.in French.

This is a This is a parametric parametric differencedifference between between English and French.English and French.

A kid’s task is to A kid’s task is to determine whether determine whether V moves to T and V moves to T and whether auxiliaries whether auxiliaries move to T.move to T.

T T values values [[uuInfl:] Infl:] on Auxon Aux

T T values values [[uuInfl:] Infl:] on on vv

EnglishEnglish StrongStrong WeakWeak

FrenchFrench StrongStrong StrongStrong

vv

Jean (ne) téléphone pas Jean (ne) téléphone pas MarieMarie

First, build the First, build the vvP just as in English.P just as in English. Merge Merge téléphonetéléphone and and MarieMarie to form the VP, Merge to form the VP, Merge vv and VP and VP

to satisfy the HoP, move V to adjoin to to satisfy the HoP, move V to adjoin to vv to check to check vv’s [’s [uuV*] V*] feature, Merge feature, Merge JeanJean and and vv..

NPMarie[N]

<V>vagent

[v, uN*, uV*,uInfl:]

VPv

Vtéléphone

[V]

vvPP

NPJean[N]

Negpas

T[tense:pres, T, uN*, …]

vv

Jean (ne) téléphone pas Jean (ne) téléphone pas MarieMarie

Merge Neg with Merge Neg with vvP to form NegP (following the P to form NegP (following the HoP).HoP).


NPMarie

<V>vagent

[v, uN*, uV*,uInfl:]

VPv

Vtéléphone

vvPP

NPJean

NegPNegP

Negpas

vv

Jean (ne) téléphone pas Jean (ne) téléphone pas MarieMarie Merge T with NegP to form TMerge T with NegP to form T (again, following the (again, following the

HoP).HoP). Now T with its [tense:pres] feature c-commands Now T with its [tense:pres] feature c-commands vv and its and its

[[uuInfl:] feature. They Match. Infl:] feature. They Match. But But in French, when in French, when [[uuInfl:] on Infl:] on vv is valued by T it is is valued by T it is strongstrong. So…. So…


NPMarie

<V>vagent

[v, uN*, uV*,uInfl:pres*]

VPv

Vtéléphone

vvPP

NPJean

Negpas

NegPNegP

TT [tense:pres, T, uN*, …]

vv

Jean (ne) téléphone pas Jean (ne) téléphone pas MarieMarie vv has to move to T. Notice that at this point has to move to T. Notice that at this point vv has V has V

adjoined to it. adjoined to it. You can’t take them apart.You can’t take them apart. The The whole whole complex headcomplex head moves to T. moves to T.

NPMarie

<V>

VP<v>

vvPP

NPJean

Negpas

NegPNegP

v[uInfl:pres*]

v

Vtéléphone

T

T


vv

Jean (ne) téléphone pas Jean (ne) téléphone pas MarieMarie And then, we move the subject up to SpecTP to And then, we move the subject up to SpecTP to

check the final uninterpretable (strong) feature of T, check the final uninterpretable (strong) feature of T, [[uuN*].N*].

NPMarie

<V>

VP<v>

vvPP

<Jean>

Negpas

NegPNegP

v[uInfl:pres*]

v

Vtéléphone

T

T

TT [tense:pres, T, uN*, …]NPJean

TP

So, French is just like English, except that evenv moves to T.

SwedishSwedish Looking at Swedish, we can see that not Looking at Swedish, we can see that not

only do languages vary on whether they only do languages vary on whether they raise main verbs to T, languages also vary raise main verbs to T, languages also vary on whether they raise auxiliaries to T:on whether they raise auxiliaries to T: ……om hon om hon inteinte harhar köpt boken köpt boken

whether she whether she notnot hashas bougt book-the bougt book-the‘…whether she hasn’t bought the book.’‘…whether she hasn’t bought the book.’

……om hon om hon inteinte köpteköpte boken bokenwhether she whether she notnot boughtbought book-the book-the‘…whether she didn’t buy the book.’‘…whether she didn’t buy the book.’

So both parameters can vary from So both parameters can vary from language to language.language to language.

Typology of verb/aux Typology of verb/aux raisingraising

Interestingly, there Interestingly, there don’t seem to be don’t seem to be languages that raise languages that raise main verbs but not main verbs but not auxiliaries.auxiliaries. This double-binary This double-binary

distinction predicts distinction predicts there would be.there would be.

This is a pattern that This is a pattern that we would like to we would like to explain someday, explain someday, another mystery another mystery about Aux to file about Aux to file away.away. Sorry, we won’t have Sorry, we won’t have

any satisfying any satisfying explanation for this explanation for this gap this semester.gap this semester.

T T values values [[uuInfl:] Infl:] on Auxon Aux

T T values values [[uuInfl:] Infl:] on on vv

EnglishEnglish StrongStrong WeakWeak

FrenchFrench StrongStrong StrongStrong

SwedishSwedish WeakWeak WeakWeak

UnattestUnattesteded

WeakWeak StrongStrong

IrishIrish In Irish, the basic word order is VSO (other In Irish, the basic word order is VSO (other

languages have this property too, e.g., Arabic)languages have this property too, e.g., Arabic) PhógPhóg Máire an lucharachán.Máire an lucharachán.

kissedkissed Mary the leprechaunMary the leprechaun‘Mary kissed the leprechaun.’‘Mary kissed the leprechaun.’

We distinguish SVO from SOV by supposing We distinguish SVO from SOV by supposing that the head-complement order can vary from that the head-complement order can vary from language to language (heads precede language to language (heads precede complements in English, heads follow complements in English, heads follow complements in Japanese).complements in Japanese).

We may also be able to distinguish other We may also be able to distinguish other languages (OVS, VOS) by a parameter of languages (OVS, VOS) by a parameter of specifier order.specifier order.

But no combination of these two parameters But no combination of these two parameters can give us VOS.can give us VOS.

IrishIrish But look at auxiliary verbs in Irish:But look at auxiliary verbs in Irish:

TáTá Máire ag-Máire ag-pógáilpógáil an lucharachán.an lucharachán.IsIs Mary ing-Mary ing-kisskiss the leprechaunthe leprechaun‘Mary is kissing the leprechaun.’‘Mary is kissing the leprechaun.’

We find that if an We find that if an auxiliaryauxiliary occupies the verb occupies the verb slot at the beginning of the sentence, the slot at the beginning of the sentence, the main verb appears between the subject and main verb appears between the subject and verb—Aux S V O.verb—Aux S V O.

What does this suggest aboutWhat does this suggest about The head-parameter setting in Irish?The head-parameter setting in Irish? How VSO order arises?How VSO order arises?

SVO to VSOSVO to VSO Irish appears to be essentially an SVO Irish appears to be essentially an SVO

language, like French.language, like French. Verbs and auxiliaries raise past the subject Verbs and auxiliaries raise past the subject

to yield VSO.to yield VSO. We can analyze the Irish pattern as being We can analyze the Irish pattern as being

minimally different from our existing minimally different from our existing analysis of French— just one difference, analysis of French— just one difference, which we hypothesize is another which we hypothesize is another parametric difference between languages.parametric difference between languages.

V and Aux both raise to T (when tense V and Aux both raise to T (when tense values the [values the [uuInfl:] feature of either one, Infl:] feature of either one, [[uuInfl:] is strong) in Irish, just as in French.Infl:] is strong) in Irish, just as in French.

vv

French vs. IrishFrench vs. Irish Remember this step in the French derivation before?Remember this step in the French derivation before?

I’ve omitted negation to make it simpler.I’ve omitted negation to make it simpler. What if we stopped here?What if we stopped here?

In French it would crash (why?). But what if it didn’t crash in In French it would crash (why?). But what if it didn’t crash in Irish?Irish?

NPMarie

<V>

VP<v>

vvPP

NPJean

v[uInfl:pres*]

v

Vtéléphone

T

T


Parametric differencesParametric differences

We could analyze Irish as being just like French We could analyze Irish as being just like French except without the strong [except without the strong [uuN*N*] feature on T.] feature on T. Without that feature, the subject doesn’t need to move Without that feature, the subject doesn’t need to move

to SpecTP. The order would be VSO, or AuxSVO.to SpecTP. The order would be VSO, or AuxSVO.

So, languages can vary in, at least:So, languages can vary in, at least: Head-complement orderHead-complement order (Head-specifier order)(Head-specifier order) Whether [Whether [uuInfl:] on Aux is strong or weak when valued Infl:] on Aux is strong or weak when valued

by Tby T Whether [Whether [uuInfl:] on Infl:] on vv is strong or weak when valued by is strong or weak when valued by

TT Whether T has a [Whether T has a [uuN*] feature or notN*] feature or not

dodo-support-support In French, verbs move to In French, verbs move to TT. In English, they . In English, they dodon’t n’t

move to move to TT.. That’s because in French, when [tense:past] That’s because in French, when [tense:past]

values [values [uuInfl:Infl:] on ] on vv, it is strong, and in English, it , it is strong, and in English, it is weak.is weak.

What this What this doesdoesn’tn’t explain is why explain is why dodo appears appears sometimes in English, seemingly doing nothing sometimes in English, seemingly doing nothing but carrying the tense (and subject agreement).but carrying the tense (and subject agreement).

The environments are complicated:The environments are complicated: Tom Tom diddid not not commitcommit the crime. the crime. Tom did not Tom did not commitcommit the crime, but someone the crime, but someone diddid.. Zoe and Danny vowed to Zoe and Danny vowed to proveprove Tom innocent, and Tom innocent, and

prove Tom innocent they prove Tom innocent they diddid.. Tom (has) never Tom (has) never committedcommitted that crime. that crime.

dodo-support-support The environments are complicated:The environments are complicated:

Tom Tom diddid not not commitcommit the crime. the crime. Tom did not Tom did not commitcommit the crime, but someone the crime, but someone diddid.. Zoe and Danny vowed to Zoe and Danny vowed to proveprove Tom innocent, and prove Tom Tom innocent, and prove Tom

innocent they innocent they diddid.. Tom (has) never Tom (has) never committedcommitted that crime. that crime.

When When notnot separates T and separates T and vv, , dodo appears in T to carry appears in T to carry the tense morphology.the tense morphology.

When T is stranded due to VP ellipsis or VP fronting, When T is stranded due to VP ellipsis or VP fronting, dodo appears in T to carry the tense morphology. appears in T to carry the tense morphology.

When When nevernever (or any adverb) separates T and (or any adverb) separates T and vv, tense , tense morphology appears on the verb (morphology appears on the verb (vv).).

So, So, dodo appears when T is separated from the verb, but appears when T is separated from the verb, but adverbs like adverbs like nevernever aren’t “visible”, they don’t get in aren’t “visible”, they don’t get in the way.the way.

PTRPTR Adger’s proposal:Adger’s proposal:

Pronounce tense on the next head down from T Pronounce tense on the next head down from T (the head of T’s sister) if it has a [(the head of T’s sister) if it has a [uuInfl:Infl:] feature ] feature valued by a feature of T. If not, insert valued by a feature of T. If not, insert dodo into T and into T and pronounce the tense on pronounce the tense on dodo..

NegP, if there, will be the sister of T (HoP), NegP, if there, will be the sister of T (HoP), but Neg has no [but Neg has no [uuInfl:Infl:] feature. ] feature. dodo will be will be inserted.inserted.

Adverbs adjoin to Adverbs adjoin to vvP, resulting in a P, resulting in a vvP. P. vv has has an [an [uuInfl:Infl:] valued by T and adverbs don’t get ] valued by T and adverbs don’t get in the way of in the way of vvP being the sister of T. Tense is P being the sister of T. Tense is pronounced on the verb (pronounced on the verb (vv).).

If If vvP is gone altogether, P is gone altogether, dodo is inserted. is inserted.

PTRPTR There is a link between the [tense:past] feature on T There is a link between the [tense:past] feature on T

and the [and the [uuInfl:past] feature on Infl:past] feature on vv: they were linked : they were linked by Agree, when the feature was checked.by Agree, when the feature was checked.

Suppose Agree forms an object, a Suppose Agree forms an object, a chainchain, between , between things that it applies to.things that it applies to.

So T and So T and vv form a chain (T, form a chain (T, vv) because Agree valued ) because Agree valued and checked the [and checked the [uuInfl:] feature of Infl:] feature of vv with the with the [tense:past] feature of T.[tense:past] feature of T.

Pronouncing Tense Rule (PTR)Pronouncing Tense Rule (PTR)In a chain (T[tense], In a chain (T[tense], vv[[uuInfl:tense]), pronounce the Infl:tense]), pronounce the tense features on tense features on vv only if only if vv is the head of T’s sister. is the head of T’s sister. This is not quite correctly stated, though: It doesn’t apply This is not quite correctly stated, though: It doesn’t apply

properly to (166) on p. 193: properly to (166) on p. 193: Gilgamesh hasn’t kissed Gilgamesh hasn’t kissed IshtarIshtar..

vv

Pat did not call ChrisPat did not call Chris So, here, T and So, here, T and vv form a chain because [tense:past] form a chain because [tense:past]

valued [valued [uuInfl:past]. But Infl:past]. But vv is not the head of T’s sister. is not the head of T’s sister.

T[tense:past, …]

NPChris

<V>vagent

[uInfl:past,…]

VPv

Vcall

vvPP

<Pat>

Negnot

NegPNegP

TTNPPat

TP

vv

Pat did not call ChrisPat did not call Chris DoDo-support comes to the rescue. What this means is -support comes to the rescue. What this means is

just that T is just that T is pronouncedpronounced as as dodo with the tense with the tense specifications on T. According to PTR, we don’t specifications on T. According to PTR, we don’t pronounce them on pronounce them on vv. The tree doesn’t change.. The tree doesn’t change.

T[tense:past, …]

did

NPChris

<V>vagent

[uInfl:past,…]

VPv

Vcall

vvPP

<Pat>

Negnot

NegPNegP

TTNPPat

TP

vv

Pat never called ChrisPat never called Chris If there is an adverb like If there is an adverb like nevernever, PTR still allows tense , PTR still allows tense

to be pronounced on to be pronounced on vv (so T doesn’t have any (so T doesn’t have any pronunciation of its own at all).pronunciation of its own at all).

T[tense:past, …]

NPChris

<V>vagent

[uInfl:past,…]

VPv

Vcall

vvPP

<Pat>

AdvPnever

vvPP

TTNPPat

TP

Documents

Episode 6a. Head movement 5.4-5.5 CAS LX 522 Syntax I