This essay is going to provide an in-depth account for the phenomenon of wh-movement in English along the lines of Chomsky’s Government and Binding theory (GB), a transformational approach in which wh-movement is described as constituent movement. The analysis will mainly focus on wh-movement in interrogative sentences. First, the theory of Government and Binding is being briefly presented and the term “wh-movement” is going to be defined. Subsequently, the different types of wh-movement occurring in languages are being presented together with wh-movement at LF. This introduction of the topic is going to be followed by an overview of prominent constraints that account for illicit wh-movement. The focus of analysis is going to be on Ross’s (1967) island constraints and Chomsky’s (1977) Subjacency. The description of wh-movement in interrogative sentences and its constraints will provide the theoretical foundation for the subsequent problem analysis: Specifically, this analysis addresses the question why there are some sentences that involve the violation of wh-islands but are acceptable for English native speakers. At the end of this essay, it is going to be briefly shown how wh-movement is being analyzed in the framework of the Minimalist Program, the successor of GB and current most prominent theory of Universal Grammar.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Brief Overview of Government and Binding Theory
- 3 What is Wh-Movement?
- 4 Typology of Wh-Movement and Movement at LF
- 5 Wh-Movement in Interrogative Sentences in English
- 5.1 Subject/Auxiliary-Inversion
- 5.2 Constraints on Wh-Movement at S-structure
- 6 PROBLEM ANALYSIS: Why are Certain Constructions that Violate the Wh-Island Constraint Acceptable?
- 7 Sketch of Wh-Movement in the Minimalist Program
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to provide a detailed explanation of wh-movement in English interrogative sentences within the framework of Chomsky's Government and Binding (GB) theory. It examines wh-movement as constituent movement, exploring its constraints and analyzing exceptions to these constraints. The essay also briefly touches upon the Minimalist Program's approach to wh-movement.
- Wh-movement as constituent movement within GB theory
- Constraints on wh-movement (e.g., island constraints, Subjacency)
- Analysis of exceptions to wh-movement constraints in English
- Comparison of GB theory and the Minimalist Program's approaches to wh-movement
- The role of D-structure, S-structure, and LF in wh-movement
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay, outlining its objective to thoroughly analyze wh-movement in English interrogative sentences using the Government and Binding (GB) theoretical framework. It establishes wh-movement as a key focus, promising a deep dive into its mechanisms and constraints, particularly Ross's island constraints and Chomsky's Subjacency. The chapter also highlights the essay's unique contribution by going beyond the scope of the course material and presents a detailed explanation that surpasses a basic understanding of the topic.
2 Brief Overview of Government and Binding Theory: This chapter presents a concise summary of Government and Binding (GB) theory, a transformational approach to Universal Grammar developed by Noam Chomsky. It introduces the core components of GB, including the levels of representation (lexicon, D-structure, S-structure, PF, LF) and the system of constraints that govern the movement of constituents. The chapter emphasizes the distinction between universal principles (like embedding) and language-specific parameters (like constituent order), setting the theoretical groundwork for the subsequent analysis of wh-movement within this framework. The T-model of the levels of representation is also described and illustrated.
3 What is Wh-Movement?: This chapter defines wh-movement, also known as wh-fronting or wh-extraction, as the syntactic process by which interrogative words (wh-words) appear at the beginning of a question. It clarifies that wh-words can be phrases or parts of phrases (NPs, PPs, or AdvPs) and that in GB theory, it is viewed as constituent movement. The chapter presents examples of wh-movement in direct and indirect questions, introducing the concept of silent traces left behind by moved wh-phrases. Empirical evidence from Middle English and Belfast English dialects supporting the analysis of wh-movement as movement to the specifier position of the complementizer phrase ([Spec,CP]) is provided.
4 Typology of Wh-Movement and Movement at LF: [This chapter summary would go here if the provided text contained chapter 4. Given the provided text does not contain this chapter, it is omitted.]
5 Wh-Movement in Interrogative Sentences in English: This chapter delves into the specifics of wh-movement in English interrogative sentences. It would cover sub-sections 5.1 and 5.2, analyzing Subject/Auxiliary Inversion and constraints on wh-movement at the S-structure level. It would elaborate on the mechanisms driving wh-movement within English syntax and explain how these mechanisms interact with the broader principles of GB theory.
6 PROBLEM ANALYSIS: Why are Certain Constructions that Violate the Wh-Island Constraint Acceptable?: This chapter tackles the complexities of apparent violations of wh-island constraints in acceptable English sentences. It would examine sentences that, according to the theory, should be ungrammatical but are nonetheless used by native speakers. The focus would likely be on resolving this discrepancy between theory and observation, perhaps by suggesting refinements to the theory or identifying factors that could explain the acceptance of these seemingly ungrammatical constructions. The detailed analysis would explore theoretical implications and potential modifications to existing linguistic frameworks.
7 Sketch of Wh-Movement in the Minimalist Program: This chapter briefly outlines how wh-movement is analyzed within the Minimalist Program, the successor to GB theory. It would contrast the Minimalist approach with the GB approach and highlight any key differences in their analyses of wh-movement. The summary would focus on the core principles of the Minimalist Program as they apply to wh-movement.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Wh-movement, Government and Binding theory, Minimalist Program, interrogative sentences, constituent movement, island constraints, Subjacency, silent traces, English syntax, transformational grammar, Universal Grammar.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay focuses on wh-movement in English interrogative sentences, analyzing it within the theoretical frameworks of Chomsky's Government and Binding (GB) theory and the Minimalist Program.
What is wh-movement?
Wh-movement, also known as wh-fronting or wh-extraction, is the syntactic process where interrogative words (wh-words) move to the beginning of a question. The essay explains that wh-words can be phrases (NPs, PPs, or AdvPs) and are viewed as constituent movement in GB theory. The movement leaves behind silent traces.
What theoretical frameworks are used to analyze wh-movement?
The essay primarily utilizes Chomsky's Government and Binding (GB) theory, explaining its core components such as D-structure, S-structure, LF, and the constraints governing constituent movement. It also briefly discusses the Minimalist Program and compares its approach to wh-movement with that of GB theory.
What are the key constraints on wh-movement discussed in the essay?
The essay examines constraints on wh-movement, including island constraints (like Ross's constraints) and Subjacency. It analyzes sentences that appear to violate these constraints, exploring the discrepancies between theory and actual language use.
What specific aspects of English interrogative sentences are analyzed?
The essay delves into Subject/Auxiliary Inversion in English questions and analyzes constraints on wh-movement at the S-structure level. It examines the mechanisms driving wh-movement within English syntax and how they interact with broader principles of GB theory.
What is the essay's approach to resolving apparent violations of wh-island constraints?
The essay addresses the issue of sentences that seem to violate wh-island constraints yet are acceptable in English. It aims to resolve this discrepancy by potentially suggesting refinements to the theory or identifying factors explaining the acceptance of these constructions.
How does the essay compare GB theory and the Minimalist Program?
The essay briefly outlines the Minimalist Program's approach to wh-movement, contrasting it with the GB approach and highlighting key differences in their analyses. This comparison focuses on the core principles of the Minimalist Program as they apply to wh-movement.
What are the key concepts and terms used in the essay?
Key terms include wh-movement, Government and Binding (GB) theory, Minimalist Program, interrogative sentences, constituent movement, island constraints, Subjacency, silent traces, English syntax, transformational grammar, and Universal Grammar.
What is included in the provided language preview?
The preview offers a title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It provides a comprehensive overview of the essay's content and methodology.
What is the overall goal of the essay?
The essay aims to provide a detailed explanation of wh-movement in English interrogative sentences, going beyond a basic understanding and offering a deep dive into its mechanisms and constraints.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Christian Kreß (Autor:in), 2007, A Comprehensive Analysis of Wh-Movement in Interrogative Sentences in English, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/126669
