University of Florida
This talk describes four control constructions in the Austronesian language
Malagasy and explores their implications for PRO-based and movement-based theories
of control. The constructions differ in the syntactic positioning of the controller
and controllee and are briefly as follows: In addition to an English-like forward
control pattern, Malagasy exhibits backward control, in which the
controller-controllee relationship is reversed-the overt controller is the subject
of the complement clause and the matrix subject is unpronounced. It also permits
passive control, in which the controller and controllee are both non-subject
passive agents. Lastly, Malagasy has finite control, in which the unpronounced
controllee is the subject of a tensed CP with an overt complementizer. Although
the data raise non-trivial challenges for both theories, they support a movement
approach to control structures. There is a strong correlation between obligatory
control and the independent availability of movement. In cases where movement
is not possible, the construction shows non-obligatory control characteristics.
If you are interested in
meeting with the speaker, please contact Kaori
Ozawa.
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