A study of Multidominance in English and Burmese

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the properties of Burmese syntactic constructions within the framework of the Multidominance Theory. To begin with, I first introduce the terms, External Merge and Internal Merge, in the Minimalist Program in Chomsky (1995). Then, I will discuss their alternative, which is the multidominant structure based on the parallel merge. The introduction of the basic tools and theories will give an idea of the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches to the possible explanation of the generation of multidominant structures in English and Burmese. Afterwards, I also discuss how multidominant structures can provide a solution of linearization in the cyclic Spell-Outs model of the grammar. Finally, I extend our attention to the PF-phenomenon of Ellipsis. In doing so, the analysis of Copy Theory in Sato (2016) and movement effects are examined and replaced by the Multidominance Theory. For the movement effects, I point out the potential problems of the Multidominance Theory and provide a solution to the condition on linearization, by relying on Johnson (2016), where the violation of Extension Condition is cured by the head Q which merges with the given syntactic object, forming a new syntactic object to merge with its target when necessary. I then discuss the coordination structure in Munn (1992, 1993), Johannessen (1998), and Zoerner (1999) and deletion with ATB movement in Ross (1986), Sag (1976), Coppock (2001), Johnson (2004, 2009a), Lo’pez & Winkler (2003), and Agabayani & Zoerner (2004). I futher apply the Multidomimance Theory to other constructions of Gapping, P(preposition)-stranding and left node raising in Burmese. I show how Burmese can play with the Multidominance Theory in a variety of syntactic constructions. Of all, my thesis is the first paper to see how Burmese syntactic constructions can be analyzed by the Multidomimance Theory.