In:New Insights into Theoretical Syntax from Asian Languages: Studies in honor of C.-T. James Huang
Edited by Andrew Simpson
[Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today 290] 2026
► pp. 60–79
Surprising constituents revisited
Published online: 15 January 2026
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.290.03tak
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.290.03tak
Abstract
Japanese allows clefts with multiple phrases in the focus position (multiple clefts). Assuming that
the focus elements of a multiple cleft form a single constituent, Takano (2020a, 2021a) develops an analysis of such surprising
constituents in terms of double sideward movement, made possible by extending standard Merge. While it has various
important consequences, the analysis faces problems as well. To resolve those problems, this paper proposes an
alternative keeping to standard Merge. The new analysis rests crucially on two claims: (i) the surprising constituent
is formed by External Merge (EM) and is combined with the presuppositional clause by EM; (ii) the elements of the
surprising constituent are related to θ-positions through multiple copy formation. The analysis can capture properties
of surprising constituents related to clausemate effects and island effects. It also provides a new perspective on how
to regulate movement.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.Takano (2020a, 2021a)
- 2.1Double sideward movement
- 2.2Consequences
- 2.3Issues
- 3.Deriving surprising constituents with External Merge and copy formation
- 3.1EM + copy formation
- 3.2Consequences
- 3.2.1Clausemate effects
- 3.2.2Lack of clausemate effects
- 3.2.3Lack of island effects
- 4.Concluding remarks
Acknowledgements Notes References
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