The Scandinavian languages and the null-subject parameter
Tóm tắt
The null-subject parameter divides the Scandinavian languages in two groups. On the one hand, we find Icelandic and Faroese, which can have null-subjects with dummy interpretation in tensed clauses. On the other hand, we have Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, where null-subjects are not found in tensed clauses. Certain other constructions are shown to presuppose a grammar permitting [+pronoun] heads of S: subject-verb-agreement, expletive pronoun base generated in X
max, oblique subjects, Stylistic Fronting, violation of the that-trace filter, and Heavy Subject Postposing. Hence, it is in accordance with our expectations that these constructions are found in Icelandic and Faroese,
As indicated in the text, Faroese does not have these constructions to the same degree as Icelandic. Having noticed this, Barnes (1986) suggests that in respect of the null-subject parameter, Faroese is now at roughly the same stage of development as seventeenth-century Swedish.
but not in modern Danish, Norwegian, or Swedish. On the other hand, at least one mainland dialect, as well as medieval Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, can have null-subjects in tensed clauses, and, as expected, we find the grammatical constructions related to a [+pronoun] marking of COMP in these languages as well.
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