Multiple Nominative Constructions in Japanese and Their Theoretical Implications

Multiple Nominative Constructions in Japanese and Their Theoretical Implications Masahiro AKIYAMA Department of Education, Ehime University 3 Bunkyou-chou, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan masahiro@ed.ehime-u.ac.jp Abstract This paper studies the derivation of multiple nominative constructions (MNC) in Japanese. First, discussing the MNC-sentences in which there is a relation of inalienable possession between nominative noun phrases, I will argue that the set of local economy principles that choose among potentially possible steps at a single stage of a derivation contains a principle that minimizes the size of moved elements. Second, considering the derivation of the MNC-sentences in which there is no relation of inalienable possession between nominative noun phrases, I will show a new piece of evidence for the Merge-over-Move principle. 1� Introduction In a derivational theory of syntax, problems of choice arise when there are two or more potentially possible steps at a single stage of a derivation. Chomsky (1995, 2000) proposes that, if Attract/Move and Merge are both potentially possible, Merge is chosen (Merge-over-Move). It has also been proposed in the literature that, when there are two or more elements that can potentially be moved, the element closer to the target than the other(s) is moved (Attract/Move the Closest). Discussing multiple nominative constructions in Japanese, I argue that the set of principles of this kind contains a principle that minimizes the size of moved elements, and show a new piece of evidence for Merge-over-Move. Multiple-nominative sentences in Japanese are classified into (at least) two types: those that involve a relation of inalienable possession between the nominative DPs ((1), MNC1), and those that do not ((2), MNC2). (1) a.� Taro-ga� Taro-NOM�te-ga�naga-i arm-NOM� long-PRES `Taro's arms are long.' b. Taro-ga� mabuta-ga� hare-ta Taro-NOM� eyelid-NOM� swell-PAST `Taro's eyelids swelled.' c. Taro-ga� imooto-ga� byooki-de� nalamat-ta Taro-NOM� sister-NOM� illness-by� die-PAST `Taro's sister died of illness.' d. Taro-ga� imooto-ga� terebi-ni� de-ta Taro-NOM� sister-NOM� television-DAT appear-PAST (2) a.�`Taro's sister made her appearance on television.' Haru-ga� tai-ga� uma-i spring-NOM� sea breams-NOM� tasty-PRES `Sea breams are tasty in spring.' b. Nihon-de� itiban Tokyo-ga� kootuu-j iko-ga� oo-i Japan-LOC� most Tokyo-NOM traffic accident-NOM many-PRES `In Japan, Traffic accidents most often occur in Tokyo.' c. Kono bangumi-ga yuumei-na� haiyuu-ga yoku� shutuen-su-ru 50 this program-NOM famous� actor-NOM often� appearance-do-PREs `Famous actors often make appearance on this program.' I consider only sentences with two nominative DPs for simplicity and refer to the first one as the NDP1 and the second one as the NDP2. 1 I assume that the MNC1 and the MNC2 are derived differently (Takahashi 1994; Tateishi 1994): the MNC1 is derived from a source in which the NDP1 is contained in the [Spec, D] of the NDP2, like genitive possessors; the MNC2 is derived by inserting the NDPs each into different positions. I consider (i) what the overt structure of the MNC1 and that of the MNC2 are like and (ii) why only the proposed structure can be derived from their respective underlying source with the other potentially possible options being blocked. 2� The MNC1 and Attract/Move the Smallest 2.1� The Positions of …

Content truncated to 500 words