In the cartographic approach to the left periphery, functional heads are assumed to be endowed with features providing transparent instructions for interface interpretation. A direct link between syntax and the semantic-pragmatic level is therefore maintained. This assumption, however, may be challenged by the Inclusiveness Condition: can discourse-related notions be encoded in the grammar as formal features? This paper is intended to provide a positive answer to this question, based on data from typologically different languages. The relevant discussion will also show the advantages of a cartographic analysis to explain language as an “optimal system” in a crash-proof syntax perspective.
Frascarelli, M. (2012). The interpretation of discourse categories. Cartography for a crash-proof syntax. In C.C. V. Bianchi (a cura di), ENJOY LINGUISTICS! Papers offered to Luigi Rizzi on the occasion of his 60th birthday (pp. 180-191). Siena : CISCL - Università di Siena.
The interpretation of discourse categories. Cartography for a crash-proof syntax
FRASCARELLI, MARA
2012-01-01
Abstract
In the cartographic approach to the left periphery, functional heads are assumed to be endowed with features providing transparent instructions for interface interpretation. A direct link between syntax and the semantic-pragmatic level is therefore maintained. This assumption, however, may be challenged by the Inclusiveness Condition: can discourse-related notions be encoded in the grammar as formal features? This paper is intended to provide a positive answer to this question, based on data from typologically different languages. The relevant discussion will also show the advantages of a cartographic analysis to explain language as an “optimal system” in a crash-proof syntax perspective.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
