控制结构的研究现状、问题和前景

A general survey of the research on the control construction

控制现象牵涉空语类、限定性、抽象格、局域性等诸多句法理论,是生成句法中的重要理论模块。鉴于其复杂性和变异现象,控制结构得到了不同研究领域的广泛关注。现有研究存在两大问题:一是对控制结构界定不一,分类繁杂;二是各种控制理论视角单一,或否定控制结构的句法地位,或为统一解释而削足适履。多模块研究途径有明显优势,但仍面临各模块如何分工的问题。习得研究显示儿童从小就具备控制结构的句法语义知识,进一步证明了控制结构的普遍语法属性。未来的控制结构研究有待四大突破:一是在最简句法框架内探讨控制现象;二是确定和分析汉语中的控制结构;三是探索其他非限定小句和名词短语内部的控制现象;四是延伸和充实控制结构习得研究的语言和语料。

Empirically,the control construction involves distribution and referential identification of PRO subject in non-finite clauses. Theoretically,investigating the control construction concerns the theories of empty categories,abstract case,finiteness and locality. Relevant research either highlights the variations,denying the syntactic analysis of the control phenomena,or attempts to pattern control with the raising construction. To lessen the tension between descriptive exhaustiveness and explanatory adequacy,the multi-modular approach turns out to be a best choice.Young children's linguistic output provides cross-linguistic evidence for early child control and for the continuity view of language acquisition,i. e.,the knowledge of the control construction is a part of Universal Grammar. Future research should focus on four topics:( i) to address the control construction in minimalism;( ii) to define and analyze the control construction in Mandarin Chinese,( iii) to explore the control phenomena in other non-finite clauses and nominalized phrases,and( iv) to further the empirical study on child acquisition of the control construction.