In this article, we argue that a structural distinction between predicational and equative copular clauses is illusory. All semantic relationships are constructed asymmetrically via syntactic head; differences reduce to whether head bears an event variable or not. This allows us maintain restrictive view of the syntax-semantics interface in face apparently recalcitrant data from Scottish Gaelic.

In this article, we argue that, under current conceptions of the architecture grammar, apparentwh-dependencies can, in principle, arise from either a movement or base-generation strategy, where Agree establishes syntactic connection latter case. The crucial diagnostics are not locality effects, but identity effects. We implement analysis using small set semantically interpretable features, together with simple universal syntax-semantics correspondence. show that parametric variation arises...

Abstract. The Person Case Constraint is frequently concomitant with Syncretism. We provide a syntax‐driven account of both phenomena that relies on the dual role φ ‐features play in selecting and Case‐licensing argument DPs. differs from other syntactic approaches to PCC it affords applicative head system attention pays structures feed morphology therefore induce syncretism.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a plausibility argument for new way thinking about intra-personal morphosyntactic variation. idea embedded within the framework Minimalist Program, and makes use notions feature interpretability checking. Specifically, I argue that underspecification uninterpretable features in matching relation with interpretable allows us model categoricality variability single system. Unlike many current approaches variation (which involve multiple grammars or...

Although it is widely agreed that learning the syntax of natural languages involves acquiring structure-dependent rules, recent work on acquisition has nevertheless attempted to characterize outcome primarily in terms statistical generalizations about surface distributional information. In this paper we investigate whether knowledge or structural English used infer properties a novel language under conditions impoverished input. We expose learners artificial-language patterns are equally...

The Syntax and Semantics of Unselected Embedded Questions David Adger Josep Quer selection clausal complement type by embedding predicates constitutes a privileged domain for the assessment interface issues between different modules grammar. This article addresses selectional problem posed embedded if-questions (of semantic 〈t, t〉) appearing as arguments noninterrogative like ‘admit’ or ‘say’ (which are assumed to select that-clause t). We show that such unselected questions (UEQs)...

I'd like to start this brief response Asudeh & Toivonen's 2006 review article ‘Symptomatic imperfections’ (henceforth SI) with a word of thanks for the careful job they've done and generally collegial manner in which it. They make many good points about Adger (2000; Core syntax – henceforth CS ) will help great deal improving book any future edition. Because this, I don't want dwell on minor quibbles have their comments. Instead, focus some broader conclusions they draw theoretical...