LINGUIST List 19.3593
|
Mon Nov 24 2008
Diss: Syntax: Moinzadeh: 'An Antisymmetric, Minimalist Approach to ...'
Editor for this issue: Evelyn Richter
<evelyn linguistlist.org>
|
To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at
http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.html.
|
Directory
1. Ahmad
Moinzadeh,
An Antisymmetric, Minimalist Approach to Persian Phrase Structure
Message 1: An Antisymmetric, Minimalist Approach to Persian Phrase Structure
|
Date: 24-Nov-2008
From: Ahmad Moinzadeh <moinfgn.ui.ac.ir>
Subject: An Antisymmetric, Minimalist Approach to Persian Phrase Structure
 E-mail this message to a friend
Institution: University of Ottawa
Program: Department of Linguistics
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2001
Author: Ahmad Moinzadeh
Dissertation Title: An Antisymmetric, Minimalist Approach to Persian Phrase Structure
Linguistic Field(s):
Syntax
Dissertation Director:
Maria Luisa Rivero
Dissertation Abstract:
In this thesis, I investigate phrase structure in Persian within the
Minimalist framework of Chomsky (1995, 1998). Adopting Kayne's (1994)
Linear Correspondence Axiom, which examines the relation of hierarchical
structure and linear order, I propose a head-initial analysis for Persian,
and develop an analysis of SVO word order based on the examination of all
lexical and functional categories.
Prior to investigating categories which are common to other languages, I
examine the Ezafe Phrase (EzP), a functional phrasal category specific to
Persian. The EzP is headed by a morpheme which may be phonetically realized
as e/ye or null. This morpheme regulates the occurrence of more than one
complement in DPs/NPs and APs. Like the other phrasal categories
investigated, EzP is shown to follow the Spec-Head-Complement configuration
(of the Linear Correspondence Axiom).
My argumentation for a head-initial configuration for Persian, and the
implication of a basic word order is based largely on evidence for noun
phrases and verb phrases. I provide support for a DP analysis of Persian
nominal phrases, and demonstrate that both DPs and lexical NPs display a
head-initial configuration. While Persian VPs exhibit both VO ad OV word
order in unmarked sentences, I argue that they consistently display a
head-initial configuration, an analysis which is theoretically preferable
to one base on dual directionality. I support my proposal for a
head-initial analysis of VPs and a basic SVO word order in Persian with a
variety of empirical evidence about verbal complements, including the
exclusive post-verbal generation of CP complements, the placement of
clitics, and the position of adverb relative to verbal heads and their
complements.
While concentrating on DPs and VPs, I further support my analysis of a
head-initial configuration for Persian by examining the
Spec-Head-Complement configuration in APs, PPs, IPs and in less detail, the
internal structure of CPs and TopPs. On the basis of both theoretical and
empirical evidence, I propose a head-initial analysis for all phrasal
categories in Persian. In conclusion, I turn to diachronic data which also
provides evidence for the Spec-Head-Complement analysis I have proposed for
Modern Persian.
Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue
|
|
Please report any bad links or misclassified data
LINGUIST Homepage | Read
LINGUIST | Contact us
While the LINGUIST List makes every effort to ensure the linguistic relevance of sites listed
on its pages, it cannot vouch for their contents.
|
|
