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LINGUIST List 23.3254

Wed Aug 01 2012

Diss: Phonology/ Semantics/ Syntax: Vlachos: 'Wh-constructions and the division...'

Editor for this issue: Lili Xia <lxialinguistlist.org>

Date: 01-Aug-2012
From: Christos Vlachos <christos.vlachosgmail.com>
Subject: Wh-constructions and the division of labour between syntax and the interfaces
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Institution: University of Patras
Program: Department of Philology
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2012

Author: Christos Vlachos

Dissertation Title: Wh-constructions and the division of labour between syntax and the interfaces

Linguistic Field(s): Phonology
                            Semantics
                            Syntax

Dissertation Director:
Elena Anagnostopoulou
Anna Roussou
Ianthi-Maria Tsimpli

Dissertation Abstract:

The minimalist approach to natural human language argues that the
syntax of a language L maps a certain structure to a certain 'form' (pi)
at PF and to a certain 'meaning' (lambda) at LF. With the above in
mind, the ideal perhaps scenario, in terms of transparency, would be
that the mapping between form and meaning would be one to one
(1:1); in other words, there is as much form as there is meaning. This
would further imply that the mapping between form and meaning is
symmetric. The present thesis studies some aspects of the form and
meaning of two kinds of wh-constructions in Modern Greek, i.e.,
questions and sluicing, and shows that the relevant mapping may not
necessarily be 1:1. With respect to questions, it is argued that the
same form may correspond to more than one meaning. As regards
sluicing, it is proposed that there is less form than meaning. On the
face of the previous, the argument will be as follows. Syntax generates
form, and restricts part of meaning, while additional aspects of meaning
are facilitated by PF (regarding wh-questions) and LF (concerning
sluicing). Finally, since PF contributes to meaning, LF 'sees' PF, and
vice versa.



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