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Desymmetrization: Parametric Variation at the PF-Interface

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 June 2016

Marc D. Richards
Marc D. Richards*
Affiliation:
University of Leipzig
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Abstract

I advance the thesis that the narrow syntactic component of CHL is purely symmetrical, with all apparent asymmetries reducing to interface conditions. Properties of Germanic object shift and scrambling, in particular the VO order-preservation (Holmberg’s Generalization), derive from symmetry-breaking strategies which dispose of superfluous (symmetric) syntactic information and ensure the PF-legibility (linearization). These interface desymmetrization strategies provide a Minimalist analysis of non-lexical (macro-)parameters, such as the head-directionality parameter.

The Linear Correspondence Axiom is reconciled with the VO/OV head parameter such that linear “shape” is preserved across the derivation. This allows object shift and scrambling to emerge as two sides of a single parametric coin. The implications of this system for the A/A-bar movement typology are explored, and a Minimalist reconceptualization is offered.

Résumé

Résumé

Je propose que le composant syntaxique CLH est purement symétrique et que toutes les asymétries apparentes sont réductibles à des conditions d’interface. Les propriétés de object shift et de scrambling dans les langues germaniques—en particulier la préservation de l’ordre VO (la généralisation de Holmberg)—sont la conséquence de stratégies de brisure de symétrie qui enlèvent l’information syntaxique superflue (symétrique) et qui assurent la lisibilité de la forme phonétique (linéarisation). Ces stratégies de désymetrisation à l’interface donnent une analyse minimaliste des (macro-)paramètres non-lexicaux, tel que le paramètre de la directionalité de la tête.

L’axiome de correspondance linéaire est réconcilié avec le paramètre de tête VO/OV de manière telle que la forme linéaire est préservée au cours de toute la dérivation. Ainsi object shift et scrambling sont deux aspects d’un seul et même paramètre. Les conséquences de ce système pour la typologie du déplacement A/A-barre sont explorées et une reconceptualisation d’inspiration minimaliste est offerte.

Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal of Linguistics/Revue canadienne de linguistique , Volume 53 , Issue 2-3 , November 2008 , pp. 275 - 300
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Linguistic Association/Association canadienne de linguistique 2008 

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