LINGUIST List 17.1698
Mon Jun 05 2006
Diss: Semantics/Syntax: Jeong: 'The Landscape of Applicatives'
Editor for this issue: Meredith Valant
<meredithlinguistlist.org>
Directory
1. Youngmi
Jeong,
The Landscape of Applicatives
Message 1: The Landscape of Applicatives
Date: 04-Jun-2006
From: Youngmi Jeong <yjeongwam.umd.edu>
Subject: The Landscape of Applicatives
Institution: University of Maryland
Program: Department of Linguistics
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2006
Author: Youngmi Jeong
Dissertation Title: The Landscape of Applicatives
Linguistic Field(s):
Semantics
Syntax
Subject Language(s): English (eng)
Dissertation Director:
Norbert Hornstein
Howard Lasnik
Juan Uriagereka
Amy Weinberg
Dissertation Abstract:
The present thesis is concerned with the syntax of constructions variouslyreferred to as 'applicative', 'ditransitive', or 'multiple object'constructions: constructions that contain arguments that transcend thetraditional subject-object characterization. The present thesis is alsoconcerned with how the syntax of such constructions yields the interpretiveeffects that previous research has identified.
In this thesis I try to remedy the inadequacies and limitations of previousaccounts. As far as the syntax of applicatives is concerned, my analysisnecessitates the rejection of phase-based derivation, and requires anemphasis on anti-locality, a rethinking of the phenomenon of successivecyclicity, and a renewed appreciation for the relevance of case andcategory in the context of multiple object constructions. The system I endup with is more relativized than previous accounts, as it makes use of morefactors to capture the syntax of applicatives.
In addition to providing a more adequate chracterization of the syntax ofapplicative constructions, I develop a semantic analysis ofdouble-object/low applicative constructions. Specifically, I argue thatsuch constructions involve object-sharing, captured via theta-drivenmovement, a derivational process that they share with serial verbs andresultative constructions.
If correct, the present thesis offers empirical arguments for varioustheoretical options currently entertained in the minimalist program, amongwhich movement into theta-position, multiple agree, anti-locality, andearly successive cyclic movement (i.e., movement taking place before thefinal landing site is introduced into the structure).
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