| ROA: | 354 |
|---|---|
| Title: | V-to-I Movement and 'do'-Insertion in Optimality Theory |
| Authors: | Sten Vikner |
| Comment: | |
| Length: | 45 |
| Abstract: | V-to-I Movement and 'do'-Insertion in Optimality Theory Sten Vikner University of Stuttgart This paper discusses what is to be gained by applying an OT analysis to the various positions of the finite verb in Danish, English, French and Icelandic. It is thus also an attempt to test the OT claim that the main or only source of langauge variation is differences in ranking. Grimshaw (1997) shows how her constraint Pure-EP (here it is still called "Projection Principle") may explain why the complementizer is obligatory in embedded topicalizations, and this paper extends this to account for why the complementizer is optional in embedded clauses only in those languages where the finite verb does not undergo V-to-I movement. The paper further shows how the relative ranking between two constraints, Economy of VPs (a variant of *Structure, which is violated by all and only VPs) and V-in-V-zero (violated by verbs which are not inserted under V-zero) may determine both whether non-thematic verbs are inserted under V-zero or above VP and also whether a finite main verb may leave VP or has to be supported by "do"-insertion in negated sentences (and main clause questions). For reasons of space, the focus is on embedded clauses, the treatment of main clauses is only briefly sketched. |
| Type: | Paper/tech report |
| Area/Keywords: | |
| Article: | Version 1 |