Embedding, covert movement, and intervention in Kathmandu Newari

Authors

  • Borui Zhang University of Minnesota
  • Dustin Alfonso Chacón University of Minnesota

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3765/plsa.v3i1.4369

Keywords:

Newari, movement, verbal-argument CPs, wh-phrases, scope, LF, covert movement

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the syntax of wh-dependencies in Newari (Sino-Tibetan). We examine the patterns of intervention and island effects in wh-in-situ configurations, and we find that sensitivity to these constraints often co-occur. We thus argue that Newari permits wh-operators to either covertly move to fix their scope, or may take scope in-situ via focus alternative composition analysis. Additionally, we argue that clausal complements to verbs (“verbal argument CPs”) may be islands for covert movement in this language.

Author Biographies

  • Borui Zhang, University of Minnesota
    Institute of Linguistics
  • Dustin Alfonso Chacón, University of Minnesota
    Institute of Linguistics

Downloads

Published

2018-04-18

How to Cite

Zhang, Borui, and Dustin Alfonso Chacón. 2018. “Embedding, Covert Movement, and Intervention in Kathmandu Newari”. Proceedings of the Linguistic Society of America 3 (1): 69:1–13. https://doi.org/10.3765/plsa.v3i1.4369.