The semantics of object drop in Baule-gctid90495

[Mani Kongo]

The semantics of object drop in Baule
Martha Larson

Abstract.    Null objects in Baule are unique because their distribution is lexically conditioned. Certain verbs require null objects, and certain verbs prohibit them. Additionally, null objects are always third person singular inanimate pronouns and can only appear phrase finally. This paper argues that these disparate constraints can be accounted for by a single requirement on the presupposition triggered by a verbal predicate. It proposes a Condition on Continuous Identification, which states that in a given verbal predicate the object pronoun is dropped if and only if that verbal predicate triggers the presupposition that the object is solely and uniquely identified by its governing verb and that this identification is continuous throughout the course of the event expressed by the predicate. This condition is demonstrated to account for the distribution of null objects in the full range of Baule verbal predicates.

                            Attached files  larson_ESSLLI02.pdf (105.7 KB)