Wh-constructions and the division of labour between syntax and the interfaces

• Κύριος συγγραφέας: Βλάχος, Χρήστος
• Άλλοι συγγραφείς: Ρούσσου, Άννα
• Μορφή: Thesis
• Γλώσσα: English
• Έκδοση: 2013
• Θέματα: Syntax; Wh-questions; Phonological form; Logical form; Ellipsis; 415; Σύνταξη; Ερωτήσεις μερικής αγνοίας; Φωνολογική δομή; Λογική δομή; Αντιχητικές ερωτήσεις; Έλλειψη

The minimalist approach to natural human language argues that the syntax of a language L maps a certain structure to a certain form at PF and to a certain meaning at LF. With the above in mind, the ideal perhaps scenario, in terms of transparency, would be that the mapping between form and meaning would be one to one. In other words, there is as much form as there is meaning. This would further imply that the mapping between form and meaning is symmetric. The present thesis studies some aspects of the form and meaning of two kinds of wh-constructions in Modern Greek, i.e., questions and sluicing, and shows that the relevant mapping may not necessarily be one to one. With respect to questions, it is argued that the same form may correspond to more than one meaning. As regards sluicing, it is proposed that there is less form than meaning. On the face of the previous, the argument will be as follows. Syntax generates form, and restricts part of meaning, while additional aspects of meaning are facilitated by PF, regarding wh-questions, and LF, concerning sluicing. Finally, since PF contributes to meaning, LF sees PF, and vice versa.