<OT> New Posting: ROA-837

[roa at ruccs.rutgers.edu]

ROA 837-0606

An OT-analysis of do-support in Modern German

Markus Bader <markus.bader at uni-konstanz.de>
Tanja Schmid <tanja.schmid at uni-konstanz.de>

Direct link: http://roa.rutgers.edu/view.php3?roa=837


Abstract:
Grimshaw (1997) gives an optimality theoretic analysis of
English do-support. She also claims that due to a different
constraint ranking, a language like German does not have
the equivalent to English semantically empty do. In this
article we present a counterexample to this claim: semantically
empty do is obligatorily inserted with VP topicalization
in Standard German. In support of these data, experimental
studies (speeded grammaticality judgments) of Standard German
are presented and contrasted with Colloquial German. Although
the Standard German data contradict Grimshaw's typological
prediction, we conclude that they actually support her analysis
of do-insertion as a last resort strategy.

Comments: 
Keywords: Optimality Theory,  do-support,  experimental evidence (speeded grammaticality judgments), Standard and Colloquial German
Areas: Syntax, Psycholinguistics
Type: Remark or Reply

Direct link: http://roa.rutgers.edu/view.php3?roa=837