Theory of Projection in Syntax

This book presents Fukui's investigation in the theory of phrase structure, which leads to to the proposal of what came to be known as the “relativized X'-theory.” This theory, which draws a fundamental distinction between lexical and functional categories, is the most widely discussed alternative to the so-called standard X'-theory, and plays an important role in current research not only in syntax proper but also in language acquisition and language typology.

Theory of Projection in Syntax proposes a theory of phrase structure in which structures are built by a simple adjunction operation and “specifiers” are solely characterized by “agreement.” The basic notions of the principles and parameters theory is discussed and a new system of projection, called the “relativized X' theory,” is introduced. In this system, no “X' theory”is reduced to the bare minimum, i.e., the requirement that categories project. This move makes possible the explicit syntactic representation of what has been called the “implicit arguments” both in noun phrases and clauses. The discussion then focuses on the phrase structural properties of Japanese and a new phrase structural configuration is proposed in the light of relativized X' theory. Other consequences for the theory for comparative syntax are also discussed.

Naoki Fukui is associate professor of linguistics and cognitive sciences in the Department of Linguistics, University of California, Irvine.

Foreword

1 Introduction

1.1 Basic Notions
1.2 Outline of the Book

2 Projection Types: Lexical vs. Functional Categories

2.1 Introductory Remarks
2.2 The Structure of IP and DP
2.3 Function Features
2.4 The Saturation Principle
2.5 Deriving the Surface Order
2.6 On the Specifier Position

3 Consequences of the Projection System

3.1 The Simplification of θ-marking
3.2 The Position of PRO
3.3 The Notion of Maximal Projection and the Status of the X-bar Schema

4 The Phrase Structure of Japanese

4.1 Facts to be Accounted for

4.1.1 Evidence for the “VP” node

4.1.1.1 Evidence from the Binding Theory
4.1.1.2 Evidence from the Crossover
4.1.1.3 Evidence from the Distribution of PRO_arb

4.1.2 Evidence for the “VP” node

4.1.2.1 Evidence from VP Movement Rules
4.1.2.2 Evidence from the Distribution of Adveribial Elements
4.1.2.3 Evidence from Empty Pronominals

4.2 Japanese As a SPECless Language

4.2.1 Functional Categories in Japanese

4.2.1.1 D
4.2.1.2 I
4.2.1.3 C

4.2.2 “Specifiers” in Japanese

4.2.2.1 Noun Phrases
4.2.2.2 Sentences

4.2.3 Summary

4.3 The Phrase Structure of Japanese

4.3.1 The Phrase Structure of Japanese: A Proposal
4.3.2 Facts Recapitulated

4.3.2.1 Evidence for the “VP” Node
4.3.2.2 VP Movement
4.3.2.3 The Distribution of Adverbial Elements
4.3.2.4 Empty Pronominals

4.4 Some Consequences

References

2/4/95

ISBN (Paperback): 1881526348 (9781881526346)
ISBN (Cloth): 1881526356 (9781881526353)

Theory of Projection in Syntax

Contents