We show that sign languages admit genuine cases of rightward movement in the domain of wh-phrases and negative quantifiers, instantiating the mirror image of spoken languages in which wh-phrases and negative quantifiers overtly move leftward. The pattern emerging from Italian Sign Language (LIS), American Sign Language (ASL) and Indo-Pakistani Sign Language (IPSL) opens intriguing questions concerning the role of language external factors influencing the final shape of languages at the articulatory-perceptual interface. According to the account offered here, language external factors, in accordance with the Processing-to-Grammar Correspondence Hypothesis, actively interact with language specific rules and configurations, determined by the parameters of Universal Grammar.
Geraci, C., Cecchetto, C. (2013). Neglected cases of rightward movement. When wh-phrases and negative quantifiers go to right. In H. Walker, M. Sailer (a cura di), Rightward Movement in a Comparative Perspective (pp. 211-241). John Benjamins [10.1075/la.200].
Neglected cases of rightward movement. When wh-phrases and negative quantifiers go to right
CECCHETTO, CARLO
2013
Abstract
We show that sign languages admit genuine cases of rightward movement in the domain of wh-phrases and negative quantifiers, instantiating the mirror image of spoken languages in which wh-phrases and negative quantifiers overtly move leftward. The pattern emerging from Italian Sign Language (LIS), American Sign Language (ASL) and Indo-Pakistani Sign Language (IPSL) opens intriguing questions concerning the role of language external factors influencing the final shape of languages at the articulatory-perceptual interface. According to the account offered here, language external factors, in accordance with the Processing-to-Grammar Correspondence Hypothesis, actively interact with language specific rules and configurations, determined by the parameters of Universal Grammar.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.