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| Author(s): |
Tarcisio Antonio Dias
Total Authors: 1
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| Document type: | Master's Dissertation |
| Press: | São Paulo. |
| Institution: | Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH/SBD) |
| Defense date: | 2019-04-05 |
| Examining board members: |
Luciana Raccanello Storto;
Ruth Elisabeth Vasconcellos Lopes;
Maria Filomena Spatti Sandalo;
Ana Paula Scher
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| Advisor: | Luciana Raccanello Storto |
| Abstract | |
In light of the chomskyan Case/agreement system (2000; 2001), and also Aldridges (2004; 2008; 2012) minimalist approach to ergativity, in chapter 1 we present an account for Case and agreement relations in Karitiana in view of its ergative-absolutive agreement pattern and the constituent order the language exhibits. We propose T values absolutive Case on both the object and the intransitive subject within matrix clauses, and n head values genitive on these arguments within subordinate clauses. We also propose v assigns ergative as an inherent Case to the transitive subject. In addition, transitive v bears an EPP feature responsible for dragging the object to an outer Spec,vP position above the subject, which accounts for the VOS assertives and OSV subordinates word order. SVO declaratives, in which the subject is raised even though the object is arguably higher up in the tree, is derived due to a restriction the Activity Condition (CHOMSKY, 2001) imposes on the object. In chapter 2 we discuss how predication relations are syntactically captured in Karitiana copular constructions. We adopt den Dikkens (2006) Predication theory, in which the subject and the predicate establish a relation in the minimal domain of the projection headed by a relator in a asymmetrical and non directional configuration. We also adopt Hale & Keysers (2002) proposal in which the specifier position is projected only when a verbal head selects for a predicate element as its complement. Then, we present an analysis for verbal and adjectival predication in Karitiana copular constructions (i.e. [NP cop i-A/V-t/ø]). In our approach the pronoun i- prefixed to the adjective and the verb is a pro-predicate (MORO, 1997), a place holder for the lexical predicate. Such element is the real predicate in the copula constructions it appears, and the adjective and the verb are adjoined to the structure. We present, as well, a derivation for predicate inversion constructions, which lack i-. The morpheme -t/ø suffixed to the predicate corresponds to a projection blocker, and it is a way the language alleviates a projection problem caused by certain adjunction structures. To conclude, we explain the distinctive behaviour of nominal predicate constructions (i.e. [ NP cop NP-t/ø]) arguing they are not submitted to restrictions of the Syntax of Predication. Finally, in chapter 3 we propose a phase-based (CHOMSKY, 2001; BOKOVI, 2014) account of the copula drop phenomenon in Karitiana declarative sentences (non future tense), arguing it to be an instance of sluicing (MERCHANT, 2001), a type of ellipsis, and that it does not need to satisfy identity conditions to be licensed. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 16/25531-7 - Copular constructions in Karitiana |
| Grantee: | Tarcisio Antonio Dias |
| Support Opportunities: | Scholarships in Brazil - Master |