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EPP-feature and Wh-movement

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Abstract The Extended Projection Principle (EPP) essentially operates in the syntax. In Chomsky (2000, 2001), the EPP is modified as part of feature checking machinery and is treated as a feature requiring an ...overt element in the Spec position of a projection. In addition to this EPP-feature, this paper proposes a new type of EPP-feature. The EPP-feature requires an overt element in the head position of a functional projection. Focusing in particular on wh-interrogatives, this paper shows that the specification of the two types of EPP-feature provides a systematic account for the typology of wh-movement. Apparently, [+EPP] and [-EPP] features for Spec on interrogative C impose conflicting requirements on derivations in that the former triggers wh-movement and the latter blocks it. If, however, universal constraints are subject to [±EPP] specification by individual grammars, the different specification provides a theory of language typology. As an illustration of the systems generated with the difference, if EPP-feature for Spec is specified as [-EPP], it yields the systems with no wh-movement, which has always been a frequent analysis of so-called “wh-in-situ” in languages. When, on the other hand, EPP-feature for Spec is specified as [+EPP], it yields the systems that have overt wh-movement. The same reasoning holds for the case of (non-) overt realization of interrogative C. If EPP-feature for head in interrogative C is specified as [-EPP], it yields the systems with no overt C. When, on the other hand, EPP-feature for head on the C is specified as [+EPP], it yields the systems that have an overt interrogative C. The interaction of EPP-feature specification and the investigation of the structural difference between tensed islands and untensed islands can serve to provide a straightforward account of a set of puzzles concerning the distinctive patterns of wh-extraction from wh-islands in overt multiple wh-fronting languages.show more

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Created Date 2009.04.22
Modified Date 2019.08.26

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