Article published In: Asian Languages and Linguistics
Vol. 4:1 (2023) ► pp.22–47
The syntax of reconstruction in English and Chinese
Published online: 6 July 2023
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.22018.law
https://doi.org/10.1075/alal.22018.law
Abstract
The paper investigates a range of facts exhibiting reconstruction effects. We consider facts concerning anaphor
binding, variable binding, quantifier scope and binding condition C in A-bar-movement structures (questions, relative clauses and
topicalization) as well as VP fronting in English and Chinese. Our findings provide strong support to the copy theory of movement
and identify some areas that need further refinement.
Keywords: A-bar-movement, binding, VP-internal subject, VP-fronting, quantifier scope
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Reconstruction to gaps under A-bar movement
- 2.1English
- 2.2Chinese
- 2.3Some under-studied facts
- 3.Reconstruction and VP-fronting
- 3.1English
- 3.2Chinese
- 4.Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- Notes
References
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