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Article published In: International Journal of Chinese Linguistics
Vol. 8:2 (2021) ► pp.291–313

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On the position of ReasonP

 | National United University
Published online: 21 January 2022
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https://doi.org/10.1075/ijchl.20017.yan
Abstract
The position of the reason-asking ‘why’ has been under much discussion for the past few years. Although some have suggested that it is situated within the CP domain, its exact position varies depending on different proposals. Meanwhile, a noncanonical why-like ‘what’ has also attracted much attention. Some assume it to be merged to the top of a sentence while some assume it to be merged lower. In this study, new evidence is provided to show that in Chinese the reason-asking ‘why’ should be merged to the Int(errogative)P in the CP zone, confirming (2001). On the position of “Int(errogative)” in the left periphery of the clause. In G. Cinque & G. Salvi. (Eds.), Current studies in Italian syntax: Essays offered to L. Renzi (pp. 287–296). Elsevier.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar and (2008). Left periphery and how-why alternations. Journal of east Asian linguistics, 17(2), 83–115. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar claims, whereas the why-like ‘what’ should be merged as low as in vP but target the topmost of a clause, supposedly ForceP, by covert movement.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Merging ‘why’ to CP
    • A.Subject-control verbs
    • B.Object-control verbs
  • 3.Merging WHAT to vP
  • 4.Conclusion
  • Acknowledgments
  • Notes
  • Abbreviations
  • References
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Cited by (1)

Cited by one other publication

Duffield, Nigel
2025. Whys and Wherefores: The Aetiology of the Left Periphery (With Reference to Vietnamese). Languages 10:5 ► pp. 116 ff. DOI logo

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