基于探针—目标一致关系的英语虚指词最低位合并研究

Agreement Relationship and Lowest-there Assumption

生成语法把虚指词定义为存现对象在逻辑式层面上的词缀。近期观点认为与虚指词相匹配的成分是存现地点,而且还出现了虚指词更低位合并假设。考虑到上述两种观点均无涉虚指词和联系词在句法语义方面的关联性,因此虚指词最低位合并假设提议,存现对象和地点短语都与虚指词相关联,而且虚指词和联系词在局域范围内形成非对称成分统制关系。基于单向成分统制关系的英语存现句分析方案更为优化。

Generative Grammar defines the expletive as a logical suffix for existential NP at LF, whereas the latest proposal denies its association with existential NP, thereby attempting to establish its association with locative PP. At the same time, there appears Lower-there Assumption. Considering that both the above two views undermine the unity and wholeness of English existential constructions, Lowest-Merge Assumption proposes that both the existential QP and the locative PP are associated with the expletive and that the expletive asymetrically c-commands the associate in a local domain. On the basis of local c-command, Lowest-Merge Assumption emphasizes the wholeness of English existential construction, thus posing as an optimal proposal.