Experiencing linking

This paper deals with the theta-argument and case-theta linking challenges within the domain of Experiencer predicates. Taking English as a starting point, I discuss how Reinhart’s Theta System deals with this challenge. I then demonstrate how a group of German psych-verbs – argued in the literature to pose a problem for the UG linking procedures of the system – can be accounted for. Preserving the relevant findings about psych-verb semantics, I show how the linking of their arguments can be captured and than address the case-theta puzzle they allegedly instantiate. More generally, I show how the intuition that case is related to the lexical semantics of predicates can be formalized. I present the hypothesis that case is derivable from the lexical semantics of predicates and discuss some of its consequences and predictions. Keywords: varying mapping; the challenge of subj.experiencers; two-place causative psych verbs vs. two-place unaccusative psych verbs; DAT- and ACC-Experiencers; ECM-ACC vs. “transitive” ACC