Abstract
All languages have strategies which enable speakers to ask constituent ('wh'-) questions. Of the strategies available, three types based on the notion of movement are usually cited in the literature: in situ, multiple fronting, and simple fronting. However, data reveal that focusing is the defining characteristic of constituent question formation cross-linguistically. This paper therefore adopts a different approach, presenting a unified analysis within the non-derivational framework of Lexical-Functional Grammar which captures the relevant generalisations about focusing and in turn provides a fresh perspective on the typology of constituent question formation strategies. © The author 2007.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 192-251 |
Number of pages | 59 |
Journal | Transactions of the Philological Society |
Volume | 105 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2007 |