Difference between revisions of "Theta Criterion"
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| − | '''Theta Criterion''' is a condition which states that at [[D-structure]] each [[argument]] is in a [[theta-position]], and that each theta-position contains an argument. If the theta-criterion is defined over [[LF]] it says that each theta-position is in a unique [[chain]], and that each chain contains a unique theta-position. The theta-criterion accounts for the contrasts in (i) and (ii). | + | ==Definition== |
| + | '''Theta Criterion''' is a condition which states that at [[D-structure]] each [[argument]] is in a [[theta-position]], and that each theta-position contains an argument. If the theta-criterion is defined over [[LF]] it says that each theta-position is in a unique [[chain]], and that each chain contains a unique theta-position. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Examples== | ||
| + | The theta-criterion accounts for the contrasts in (i) and (ii). | ||
(i) a it seems that John is ill | (i) a it seems that John is ill | ||
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In Brody (1993) it is argued that the theta-criterion can be dispensed with. | In Brody (1993) it is argued that the theta-criterion can be dispensed with. | ||
| − | + | == Links == | |
| − | + | *[http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Theta+Criterion&lemmacode=157 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics] | |
| − | [http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Theta+Criterion&lemmacode=157 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics] | ||
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| + | == References == | ||
* Brody, M. 1993. ''Theta-theory and arguments,'' Linguistic Inquiry 24, 1-23 | * Brody, M. 1993. ''Theta-theory and arguments,'' Linguistic Inquiry 24, 1-23 | ||
* Chomsky, N. 1986a. ''Knowledge of language: its nature, origin and use,'' Praeger, New York. | * Chomsky, N. 1986a. ''Knowledge of language: its nature, origin and use,'' Praeger, New York. | ||
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Revision as of 09:19, 17 August 2014
Definition
Theta Criterion is a condition which states that at D-structure each argument is in a theta-position, and that each theta-position contains an argument. If the theta-criterion is defined over LF it says that each theta-position is in a unique chain, and that each chain contains a unique theta-position.
Examples
The theta-criterion accounts for the contrasts in (i) and (ii).
(i) a it seems that John is ill
b *Bill seems that John is ill
(ii) a Bill believes that John is ill
b *it believes that John is ill
In (i)b the argument Bill is in a theta-bar position; in (ii)b the expletive it (a non-argument) is in a theta-position. Originally, the theta-criterion stipulated a unique relationship between arguments and theta-roles (rather than theta-positions), forcing the analysis in (iii)b on John left angry: unless angry brings its own (PRO) argument, there would be two theta-roles (assigned by left and angry, respectively) for one argument (John). Revising the theta-criterion in terms of theta-positions allows the analysis in (iii)a where the unique argument John is in a unique theta-position associated with two theta-roles.
(iii) a John left angry
b John left [PRO angry]
In Brody (1993) it is argued that the theta-criterion can be dispensed with.
Links
References
- Brody, M. 1993. Theta-theory and arguments, Linguistic Inquiry 24, 1-23
- Chomsky, N. 1986a. Knowledge of language: its nature, origin and use, Praeger, New York.
- Chomsky, N. 1981. Lectures on Government and Binding, Foris, Dordrecht.
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