A long-distance dependency analysis of Mandarin bei-passives in LFG
View Dublin Core Metadata
|
Title:
|
A long-distance dependency analysis of Mandarin bei-passives in LFG |
|
Author:
|
Hsu, Brian
|
|
Advisor:
|
Harrison, K. David; Lee-Schoenfeld, Vera
|
|
Department:
|
Swarthmore College. Dept. of Linguistics |
|
Type:
|
Thesis (B.A.) |
|
Issue Date:
|
2009 |
|
Abstract:
|
This paper presents an account of bei-passives in Mandarin Chinese within the framework of Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG). I propose treating bei-passives as a type of long-distance dependency
(LDD) construction analogous to English tough-type sentences, and discuss the merits of this analysis. Recent research on the topic has generally concluded that “short” and “long” passives have separate derivations (Huang, Li, & Li 2009). Since this account can be challenged upon grounds of desired theoretical simplicity and explanatory adequacy, one desired outcome is a uniform derivation of bei-sentences. The LDD analysis proposed here is able to account for the defining properties of long bei-passives, including unbounded dependencies and resumptive pronouns. I also argue that the unique control structure of “adversative passives” can be explained naturally by an LDD structure. However, certain differences between short passives and long passives cannot be completely accounted for under the present account, and should encourage further inquiry. |
|
Subject:
|
Lexical-functional grammar
|
|
Subject:
|
Chinese language -- Passive voice
|
|
Subject:
|
Bei (The Chinese word)
|
|
Terms of Use:
|
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/us/
|
|
Permanent URL:
|
http://hdl.handle.net/10066/6862
|
Files in this item
Citation
This item appears in the following Collection(s)
View Dublin Core Metadata