Abstract
In this paper, within the framework of the Minimalist Program, I will propose the Split Wh-feature Hypothesis, which assumes that there are two features involved in wh-movement, one relevant to interpretation at LF and the other to movement. The Split Wh-feature Hypothesis can describe two differences in wh-movement among languages. First, unlike English, languages such as German and Ancash Quechua permit a wh-phrase to partially move to Spec of declarative complementizer (partial wh-movement). Second, in contrast to English, neither Italian nor Irish allows multiple questions. In addition to these differences in wh-movement, the Split Wh-feature Hypothesis provides an account of the descriptive generalization that a wh-phrase in Spec of an interrogative complementizer cannot make any further movements.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 189-206 |
Number of pages | 18 |
Journal | Lingua |
Volume | 107 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1999 Apr |
Keywords
- Multiple questions
- Partial wh-movement
- The Split wh-feature hypothesis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language