scholarly journals Abandoning the EPP-feature in Polish dual copula clauses by redefining the predication relation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 33-57
Author(s):  
Rafał Jurczyk
Keyword(s):  
Event Semantics ◽  
Complex Predicate ◽  
Multiple Agree ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Predication Relation

This paper questions the logic behind the presence and the working of the EPP-feature in Polish dual copula clauses (henceforth, DCCs) with the pronominal copula to, the verbal copula być ‘to be’, and two nominative 3rd person DPs, as represented in Bondaruk (2019). The criticism follows from: (i) – Chomsky’s (2000, 2001) downward Agree operation; (ii) – the view that the predicator encodes the predication relation between the pre-copular subject and the post-copular predicate; (iii) – selective multiple Agree, whereby the satisfaction of the EPP- and uφ-features is divorced. Adopting (i)–(iii), Bondaruk’s scrutiny allows either the pre- or the post-copular DP to occupy SpecTP, thereby accounting for DCCs’ agreement and configurational patterns, but, simultaneously, suffering from theoretical shortcomings it creates. We argue for a simpler satisfaction of the subject requirement which does not rely on the troublesome EPP-feature, but is motivated formally by the relation between T and the higher DP. We derive this requirement by following Zeiljstra’s (2012) upward Agree which only takes place once interpretable features c-command uninterpretable features, and Rothstein’s (2004) approach which is based on a neo-Davidsonian event semantics and which argues that be and its complement form a complex predicate, separated from the pre-copular DP both semantically and syntactically.

scholarly journals Hindi aspectual complex predicates

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shakthi Poornima ◽  
Jean-Pierre Koenig
Keyword(s):  
Syntactic Structure ◽  
The Other ◽  
Complex Predicates ◽  
Case Assignment ◽  
Syntactic Structures ◽  
Complex Predicate ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Intransitive Verbs ◽  
Syntax Of Aspect

This paper discusses ergative case assignment in Hindi and its interaction with aspectual verb complexes or complex predicate constructions. It is shown that ergative case is assigned by the last head in the aspectual verb complex and that ergative case on the subject of intransitive verbs denoting bodily-functions is associated with a counter-to-expectation meaning. It is then shown that aspect complex predicates in Hindi involve two distinct syntactic structures, which have similar semantics. While one syntactic structure involves argument composition, the other involves a head-modifier structure. It is argued that the existence of two structures favor approaches to the interface between syntax and semantics which do not require a uniform isomorphism between the semantics and syntax of aspect.

Canonical and reverse predication in the syntax of the active/passive diathesis alternation

2020 ◽  
pp. 147-187
Author(s):  
Marcel den Dikken
Keyword(s):  
External Argument ◽  
Passive Voice ◽  
Active Voice ◽  
Accusative Case ◽  
Internal Argument ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Secondary Predication ◽  
Predication Relation

This chapter defends an analysis of the active/passive alternation sharing with Collins’s smuggling proposal the idea that the participial VP occupies a specifier position above the external argument, but base-generating it in this position rather than moving it there. In both the active and the passive, the VP and the external argument are in a predication structure, with a RELATOR mediating the predication relation. The active voice builds a canonical predication structure, with the VP in the RELATOR’S complement position and the subject of predication as the specifier. In the passive voice, the VP is externally merged in the specifier of the RELATOR and the external argument in its complement. This analysis provides an explanation for obligatory auxiliation, the unavailability of accusative Case for the internal argument, Visser’s Generalization (the ban on personal passivization of subject control verbs), and the restrictions on referential dependencies and depictive secondary predication in passives.

scholarly journals Out of control

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Y. Oshima
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Representation ◽  
Conversational Implicature ◽  
Cooperative Effects ◽  
Complex Predicate ◽  
The Core ◽  
Lack Of Control ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Indirect Passives ◽  
Triadic Relation

In this paper I develop a unified analysis of the Japanese passive, which provides a uniform syntactic/semantic representation of the alleged varieties of passives (direct, indirect, possessive) as a complex predicate that encodes the triadic relation of "lack of control" among an agent, undergoer and event. Various differences among the direct, possessive, and indirect passives (the adversative effect implicature, the possibility of reflexive binding, the animacy constraint on the subject, etc.) are explained as cooperative effects of the core syntactic/sematic properties of the passive morpheme -(r)are and functional/pragmatic factors like conversational implicature and empathy constraints.

The syntax and semantics of Modern Standard Arabic resumptive tough-constructions

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-238
Author(s):  
Fayssal Tayalati ◽  
Lieven Danckaert
Keyword(s):  
Modern Standard Arabic ◽  
Independent Evidence ◽  
Semantic Level ◽  
Standard Arabic ◽  
Complex Predicate ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Subject Noun ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Broad Subject ◽  
Modern Standard

AbstractThis paper is concerned with a hitherto undiscussed type of tough-construction in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Our starting point is the observation that the tough-adjective in this construction invariably displays nominative masculine singular morphology, a pattern of ‘default’ agreement which does not seem to occur elsewhere in the grammar of MSA. At a semantic level, the relevant adjective is argued to form a complex predicate with a deverbal nominalization that acts as its complement: together, these two elements indirectly modify the subject noun phrase. To explain the default agreement pattern, we propose that MSA tough-constructions involve two distinct subjects, viz. a phonologically null expletive subject which controls agreement on the tough-adjective, and a Broad Subject which acts as the semantic subject of the whole construction. We show that there is independent evidence for the existence of both null expletives and Broad Subjects in MSA.

Instrumental Take-Serial Constructions in Haitian and in Fon

1989 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Lefebvre
Keyword(s):  
Complex Predicate ◽  
Haitian Creole ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Serial Construction

Since the paper by Jansen et al (1978), it is a well-known fact that serializing languages divide into two major groups: those which have Take-serial constructions and those which don’t. Haitian creole has Take-serial constructions, as exemplified in (l):(1)Jan pran kabrit ale nan macheJohn take goat go in market‘John brought the goat in the market.’Among the languages which have Take-serial constructions, languages further divide into two groups: those which have instrumental Take constructions and those which do not. An example of an instrumental Take-serial construction is provided in (2). In these constructions, the subject of the second verb is interpreted as the instrument of the complex predicate formed by the series of verbs.

scholarly journals Zaimek wskazujący w zdaniach z orzeczeniem imiennym: funkcja predykatywna czy anaforyczna?

2016 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 250-272
Author(s):  
Aleksander Kiklewicz
Keyword(s):  
Syntactic Structure ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Complex Predicate ◽  
Demonstrative Pronoun ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Simple Sentences ◽  
Functional Syntax ◽  
Linguistic Material ◽  
Modern Russian

Demonstrative pronoun in sentences with nominal predicate: predicative or anaphor function?This article deals with a particular type of simple sentences with a complex predicate which includes the demonstrative pronoun Pol. to / Russ. это ‘this.’ The author presents the view, prevailing in the linguistic literature, that in terms of syntactic structure, such units perform the role of the so-called copula. The analysis of linguistic material of modern Russian and Polish (taking into account the category of functional syntax) leads to the conclusion that such instances are in fact cases of subject duplication, which is used to emphasise the subject in spoken language. Zaimek wskazujący w zdaniach z orzeczeniem imiennym: funkcja predykatywna czy anaforyczna?Przedmiotem artykułu jest szczególny typ zdań prostych z orzeczeniem złożonym zawierającym zaimek wskazujący to/это. Autor przedstawia panujący w literaturze lingwistycznej pogląd, że jednostka ta zajmuje w strukturze zdania pozycję tzw. łącznika (copuli). Z analizy materiału językowego współczesnego języka polskiego (przy uwzględnieniu kategorii składni funkcjonalnej) wynika, że w rzeczywistości mamy tu do czynienia z duplikacją podmiotu, która służy do emfatycznego wyodrębnienia tego członu zdania w mowie.

Words

PMLA ◽  
1935 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 1320-1327
Author(s):  
Colbert Searles
Keyword(s):  
Subject Matter ◽  
Assistant Professor ◽  
The Subject

THE germ of that which follows came into being many years ago in the days of my youth as a university instructor and assistant professor. It was generated by the then quite outspoken attitude of colleagues in the “exact sciences”; the sciences of which the subject-matter can be exactly weighed and measured and the force of its movements mathematically demonstrated. They assured us that the study of languages and literature had little or nothing scientific about it because: “It had no domain of concrete fact in which to work.” Ergo, the scientific spirit was theirs by a stroke of “efficacious grace” as it were. Ours was at best only a kind of “sufficient grace,” pleasant and even necessary to have, but which could, by no means ensure a reception among the elected.

Artificial satellite orbit computations

1966 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 363-371
Author(s):  
P. Sconzo
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Satellite ◽  
Satellite Orbit ◽  
Artificial Satellites ◽  
Orbital Elements ◽  
Differential Correction ◽  
Gravitational Effects ◽  
Short Intervals ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Introductory Discussion ◽  
Orbit Computation

In this paper an orbit computation program for artificial satellites is presented. This program is operational and it has already been used to compute the orbits of several satellites.After an introductory discussion on the subject of artificial satellite orbit computations, the features of this program are thoroughly explained. In order to achieve the representation of the orbital elements over short intervals of time a drag-free perturbation theory coupled with a differential correction procedure is used, while the long range behavior is obtained empirically. The empirical treatment of the non-gravitational effects upon the satellite motion seems to be very satisfactory. Numerical analysis procedures supporting this treatment and experience gained in using our program are also objects of discussion.

C. Wire Cabling for Telescope Systems

1966 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 159-161
Keyword(s):  
The Subject ◽  
Data Multiplexing

Rule: I'd like at this point to bring up the subject of cables and wireways around the telescope. We've touched upon this twice during previous sessions: the cable wrap up problem, the communications problem, and data multiplexing problem. I think we'll ask Bill Baustian if he will give us a brief run down on what the electrical run problems are, besides doubling the system every year.

The relationship of the scleractinian corals to the rugose corals

Paleobiology ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 6 (02) ◽  
pp. 146-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
William A. Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Critical Points ◽  
Scleractinian Corals ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Early Triassic ◽  
Rugose Corals ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Biologic Factors

The Mesozoic-Cenozoic coral Order Scleractinia has been suggested to have originated or evolved (1) by direct descent from the Paleozoic Order Rugosa or (2) by the development of a skeleton in members of one of the anemone groups that probably have existed throughout Phanerozoic time. In spite of much work on the subject, advocates of the direct descent hypothesis have failed to find convincing evidence of this relationship. Critical points are:(1) Rugosan septal insertion is serial; Scleractinian insertion is cyclic; no intermediate stages have been demonstrated. Apparent intermediates are Scleractinia having bilateral cyclic insertion or teratological Rugosa.(2) There is convincing evidence that the skeletons of many Rugosa were calcitic and none are known to be or to have been aragonitic. In contrast, the skeletons of all living Scleractinia are aragonitic and there is evidence that fossil Scleractinia were aragonitic also. The mineralogic difference is almost certainly due to intrinsic biologic factors.(3) No early Triassic corals of either group are known. This fact is not compelling (by itself) but is important in connection with points 1 and 2, because, given direct descent, both changes took place during this only stage in the history of the two groups in which there are no known corals.

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