LINGUIST List 22.4931 Thu Dec 08 2011 Diss: Linguistic Theories: Vaezi : 'Formal , Functional and ...' Editor for this issue: Xiyan Wang <xiyanlinguistlist.org> To post to LINGUIST, use our convenient web form at http://linguistlist.org/LL/posttolinguist.cfm. Directory         1.     Hengameh Vaezi , Formal , Functional and Cognitive Approaches : WH - Constructions in Persian Message 1: Formal , Functional and Cognitive Approaches : WH - Constructions in Persian Date: 07-Dec-2011 From: Hengameh Vaezi <hengamehvaeziyahoo.com> Subject: Formal , Functional and Cognitive Approaches : WH - Constructions in Persian E-mail this message to a friend Institution: Allameh Tabataba’i University Program: Linguistics Dissertation Status: Completed Degree Date: 2010 Author: Hengameh Vaezi Dissertation Title: Formal , Functional and Cognitive Approaches : WH - Constructions in Persian Linguistic Field(s): Linguistic Theories Dissertation Director: Mohammad Dabir Moghaddam Dissertation Abstract: In this dissertation, wh-questions in Persian are explored within three approaches: Formal, Functional and Cognitive. In the first section, I examine the syntax of Persian wh-arguments, wh-adjuncts and discourse-linked wh words. It shows that Persian has two types of wh-questions: a) wh- in- situ b) displaced wh. The comparison of LF movement in English and Persian show that there are some differences between these two languages at LF. Some evidence supports this assumption that wh-in-situ involves Overt Operator movement (but invisible). So, contrary to Huang's LF movement approach to wh-in-situ, it is possible to introduce different types of wh-in-situ languages. Displaced wh-words are the words moved to the front of the sentence in order to be focused. On the assumption of split CP, wh-word lands into the FocP. The analysis of simple and compound sentences in Persian show that each sentence contains only a single Focus Phrase constituent. Moved wh-words occupy the specifier position of Focus Phrase. This kind of wh-word is heavily stressed. If two constituents move into the specifier position of Focus Phrase, that sentence will be ruled out. The solution is that one of them occupies the Focus Phrase and wh-word will occupy the highest projection (Force Phrase). So wh-words can occupy two different positions, Focus Phrase or Force phrase. The consequence of this discussion is that Focal Intonation may mismatch wh-words. In the second section, wh-sentences are considered functionally and typologically. On the functional dimension, a set of interrogative pronouns were found. Moreover, semantic distinctions of interrogative pronouns were explained in terms of case-roles, gender, number and reference. In Persian, Animacy is marked only in the set of wh-pronouns in the distinction between who vs. what. However, semantic class can be taken into consideration in either definite or non-referential interrogative pronouns. Similarly, number is unmarked in the wh-pronouns of Persian, but can be added when they are used for definite or non-referential questions. In the third section, the Construction Grammar is introduced. It was argued that the formal Constraints in syntax are motivated by their functions. Non-syntactic factors are responsible for them. It was emphasized that syntactic motivations such as Subjacency can not predict all contexts. Persian evidence support this idea. On this assumption of construction, context and combination of constructions can show the correct form and meanings. In the usage-based models, the constructions can be combined, on the basis of information structure properties of the constructions involved. The extraction of wh-word from complements of Bridge verbs, Manner of Speaking verbs and Factive verbs showed that subjacency can not predict all the possibilities in these complements. The Island status of the complements of these verbs showed that complements of Manner of Speaking verbs and Factive verbs are islands. Being an island ( in this grammar) correlates with the Backgroundedness of information. Bridge verbs are the most acceptable wh-extraction questions in Persian. Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue Page Updated: 08-Dec-2011       About 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.