Whamit!

The Weekly Newsletter of MIT Linguistics

Syntax Square 10/23 - Elise Newman

Speaker: Elise Newman (MIT)
Title: vP infinitives in Wolof: on A’-movement to Spec vP
Date and Time: Tuesday, October 23, 1-2pm
Location: 32-D461
Abstract:
 
In this talk, I will discuss infinitival relative clauses in Wolof. Or more accurately: infinitival clauses with gaps that show A’-properties. We will see evidence from clitic climbing and aspect that one such clause is small (vP-sized). These facts support a view of A’-movement that can target the edge of vP and stop there, even in the absence of higher A’ probes. We will additionally see that these clauses do not form a constituent with the DP that controls the gap, suggesting that they may attach higher as a type of adjunct purpose clause. This begs the question of how the gap comes to be associated with the matrix object. I will offer a preliminary analysis that these gaps are parasitic, which demands covert movement of matrix objects. Also featured in this talk are island sensitive resumptive pronouns!