26.1026, Diss: Linguistic Theories, Syntax: Bacskai-Atkari: 'The Syntax of Comparative Constructions: Operators, Ellipsis Phenomena and Functional Left Peripheries'

The LINGUIST List via LINGUIST linguist at listserv.linguistlist.org
Sat Feb 21 17:13:00 UTC 2015


LINGUIST List: Vol-26-1026. Sat Feb 21 2015. ISSN: 1069 - 4875.

Subject: 26.1026, Diss: Linguistic Theories, Syntax: Bacskai-Atkari: 'The Syntax of Comparative Constructions: Operators, Ellipsis Phenomena and Functional Left Peripheries'

Moderators: linguist at linguistlist.org (Damir Cavar, Malgorzata E. Cavar)
Reviews: reviews at linguistlist.org (Anthony Aristar, Helen Aristar-Dry, Sara Couture)
Homepage: http://linguistlist.org

Editor for this issue: Danuta  Allen <danuta at linguistlist.org>
================================================================


Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2015 12:12:08
From: Julia Bacskai-Atkari [julia.bacskai-atkari at uni-potsdam.de]
Subject: The Syntax of Comparative Constructions: Operators, Ellipsis Phenomena and Functional Left Peripheries

 
Institution: Universität Potsdam 
Program: Department of Linguistics 
Dissertation Status: Completed 
Degree Date: 2014 

Author: Julia Bacskai-Atkari

Dissertation Title: The Syntax of Comparative Constructions: Operators,
Ellipsis Phenomena and Functional Left Peripheries 

Linguistic Field(s): Linguistic Theories
                     Syntax


Dissertation Director(s):
Gisbert Fanselow
István Kenesei

Dissertation Abstract:

Adopting a minimalist framework, the dissertation provides an analysis for the
syntactic structure of comparatives, with special attention paid to the
derivation of the subclause. The proposed account explains how the comparative
subclause is connected to the matrix clause, how the subclause is formed in
the syntax and what additional processes contribute to its final structure. In
addition, it casts light upon these problems in cross-linguistic terms and
provides a model that allows for synchronic and diachronic differences. This
also enables one to give a more adequate explanation for the phenomena found
in English comparatives since the properties of English structures can then be
linked to general settings of the language and hence need no longer be
considered as idiosyncratic features of the grammar of English.
First, the dissertation provides a unified analysis of degree expressions,
relating the structure of comparatives to that of other degrees. It is shown
that gradable adjectives are located within a degree phrase (DegP), which in
turn projects a quantifier phrase (QP) and that these two functional layers
are always present, irrespectively of whether there is a phonologically
visible element in these layers.
Second, the dissertation presents a novel analysis of Comparative Deletion by
reducing it to an overtness constraint holding on operators: in this way, it
is reduced to morphological differences and cross-linguistic variation is not
conditioned by way of postulating an arbitrary parameter. Cross-linguistic
differences are ultimately dependent on whether a language has overt operators
equipped with the relevant – [+compr] and [+rel] – features.
Third, the dissertation provides an adequate explanation for the phenomenon of
Attributive Comparative Deletion, as attested in English, by way of relating
it to the regular mechanism of Comparative Deletion. I assume that Attributive
Comparative Deletion is not a universal phenomenon, and its presence in
English can be conditioned by independent, more general rules, while the
absence of such restrictions leads to its absence in other languages.
Fourth, the dissertation accounts for certain phenomena related to diachronic
changes, examining how the changes in the status of comparative operators led
to changes in whether Comparative Deletion is attested in a given language: I
argue that only operators without a lexical XP can be grammaticalised. The
underlying mechanisms underlying are essentially general economy principles
and hence the processes are not language-specific or exceptional.
Fifth, the dissertation accounts for optional ellipsis processes that play a
crucial role in the derivation of typical comparative subclauses. These
processes are not directly related to the structure of degree expressions and
hence the elimination of the quantified expression from the subclause;
nevertheless, they are shown to be in interaction with the mechanisms
underlying Comparative Deletion or the absence thereof.




----------------------------------------------------------
LINGUIST List: Vol-26-1026	
----------------------------------------------------------







More information about the LINGUIST mailing list