The argument of experience: Experience predicates and argument structure in Catalan and Mayangna

Ricard Vinas i de Puig, Purdue University

Abstract

In this dissertation I propose a universally available structure for experience predicates. According to this structure, which is exemplified in two typologically unrelated linguistic families (Mismumalpan and Romance), the EXPERIENCE merges with a V head and creates a predication-like structure with the SOURCE OF EXPERIENCE. A verbal functional projection is merged on top of VP, responsible for the introduction of the EXPERIENCER as VP-external argument. This BASIC EXPERIENCE STRUCTURE allows for different levels of parameterization. The EXPERIENCE can undergo syntactic incorporation on V or surface as an independent argument, triggering the presence of a light verb. Some experience predicates are the result of a structure without the introduction of the SOURCE. This triggers two logical possibilities: (a) the EXPERIENCER is assigned inherent Dative Case, as attested in Mayangna; or (b) the EXPERIENCER enters into structural Case assigning relations, thus receiving Nominative. The eventive interpretation of (otherwise stative) experience predicates is accounted for by merging two possible heads selecting νEXPP. Following recent approaches on event structure and causation, I argue that if an unaccusative νBECOME head selects νEXPP, an eventive interpretation with no external Causer is obtained (i.e. internally triggered experiences). The resulting structure is the base for another event layer: if a νCAUSP, which introduces an external CAUSER, is merged on top of νBECOMEP we obtain an interpretation of an experience caused by an external CAUSER (i.e. externally triggered experiences). The agentive interpretation is the result of the event structure headed by ν CAUS, which introduces an external CAUSER with animate features. This agentive interpretation, also attested crosslinguistically, is conditioned by a restrictive subset of EXPERIENCES, which share eventive features. The analysis of experience predicates that I put forth in this dissertation fills one of the gaps in the related literature, as it presents a sound basis for the different realizations of experience predicates, building from a simple argument structure. In addition, the availability of merging different functional projections accounts for the different possible interpretations of the predicate. This structure also opens the door to further related research regarding the possible realization of experiences in other languages and the interpretation and valuation of phases.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Benedicto, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Linguistics

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