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Abstract
In this paper, we compare the behaviour of the default in the person system (third person) withthe default in the number system (singular). We argue, following Nevins (2007; 2011), thatthird person pronouns have person features, while singular DPs lack number features. Theevidence for these claims comes from situations in which a single head agrees with multiple DPs that have contrasting person and number specifications. In case the number of morphological slots in which agreement can be realized is lower than the number of agreement relations established in syntax, such contrasting specification may prove problematic. As it turns out, conflicts between singular and plural do not result in ungrammaticality, but conflicts between third person and first or second person do. Such person clashes can be avoided if the morphological realization of the relevant person features is syncretic. Alternatively, languages may make use of a person hierarchy that regulates the morphological realization of conflicting specifications for person. The argument we present is rooted in, and supports, the theory of person developed in Ackema & Neeleman (2013; to appear).
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Agreement, Case and Locality in the Nominal and Verbal Domains |
Editors | Ludovico Franco, Mihaela Marchis Moreno , Matthew Reeve |
Place of Publication | Berlin |
Publisher | Language Science Press |
Chapter | 2 |
Pages | 21-54 |
Number of pages | 34 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783961102006 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783961102013 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Publication series
Name | Open Generative Syntax |
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Publisher | Language Science Press |
ISSN (Print) | 2568-7336 |
Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)
- person
- number
- default
- agreement
- person hierarchy
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Dive into the research topics of 'Default person versus default number in agreement'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
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Profiles
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Peter Ackema
- School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences - Personal Chair of Morphosyntax
Person: Academic: Research Active