1887
Linguistic Variation Yearbook 2003
  • ISSN 1568-1483
  • E-ISSN: 1569-9900
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Abstract

Malayalam, an SOV language, moves its wh-phrases to a Focus position immediately to the left of V (linearly speaking). Multiple wh-phrases are “stacked” in this position. Wh-extraction from an embedded clause is not possible. When a wh-phrase in an embedded clause has matrix scope, scope-marking is done by two movements: the wh-phrase moves to the Focus position in the embedded clause, and the embedded clause is pied-piped to the Focus position in the matrix clause. It is shown that the device of “Attract” by EPP is inadequate (by itself) to describe these movements (or multiple wh-fronting). We suggest a supplementary device. “Association with focus”, the algorithm by which the question operator accesses question words, is (we suggest) a kind of ‘probe’. In languages which employ strong focusing devices, the question operator’s probe “looks at” only Focus positions. In these languages, wh-phrases must cluster in Focus positions in order to be interpreted.

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/content/journals/10.1075/livy.3.05jay
2003-01-01
2025-04-26
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): clausal pied-piping; clefts; Malayalam; multiple questions; scope marking; wh-movement
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