Carnie, Andrew (1995) Non-Verbal Predication and Head movement. Ph.D Dissertation. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract:
This thesis surveys the interaction between non-verbal predication in matrix clauses and processes of head-movement. Focusing mainly on the syntax of Modern Irish nominal predicates, it is claimed that matrix non-verbal predication can occur without any verbal support. When this happens, non-verbal predicates bear inflectional features directly and behave just like verbs with respect to processes of head-movement. In particular, it is claimed that non-verbal predicates raise through the inflectional complex to the highest inflectional head, just like verbal predicates in matrix VSO clauses.
It is also claimed that complex phrasal predicates are allowed to undergo head-movement, contra many standard assumptions. A new theory of phrase structure is proposed, where phrasal status (i.e. X-bar status) is determined by behavior of the phrase-marker involved, rather than the status determining the behavior. This derived notion of X-bar status is shown to account for a variety of phenomena from a variety of languages (such as construct state nominals in Celtic and Tagalog clitic placement).
The thesis also argues that the distribution of word order types from Irish copular clauses argues against a unified or single be analysis. It is claimed that at least two types of copular construction: a one placed predicative construction, and a two placed equative contstruction are present in the grammar. Structural assymetries between the two arguments in equative constructions are shown to follow from their behavior with respect to theta marking.
Finally, a new analysis of Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) order is presented which accounts for a wide variety of phenomena, including non-verbal predicates, in the syntax of Modern Irish. This analysis makes use of verb raising, a split VP structure, and a new view of clausal architecture.
Dissertation Committee:
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Ken Hale (chair)
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Morris Halle
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Alec Marantz
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David Pesetsky
Reviews
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Review by Peter Svenonius (1998) Glot International 3.8. pg 11-15 (review follows dissertation summary) download
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Table of Contents
Title Page, Acknowledgments, Table of Contents
Chapter 1. The Problem and Initial Assumptions
Chapter 2. A Short history of VSO
Chapter 3. Modern Irish VSO order
Chapter 4. The Verb to be in Irish
Chapter 5. Accounting for the Word Order Alternations
Chapter 6. What's a phrase like you doing in a head like this?
Chapter 7. Other theories of be word order alternations
Chapter 8. Other theories of be-less copular sentences
Chapter 9. Concluding Remarks
Appendix. The morphology of to be in Irish
Bibliography