Linkers and agreement

Abstract

In many languages a linker element is inserted between a noun N and a modifier or a complement of N. We focus on Albanian articles and on Iranian ezafes, and we introduce comparison data from Aromanian. In section 2, we provide arguments as to why currently available formal theories of linkers (as copulas, as case assigners, as means for identity avoidance) face problems when applied to Albanian or Kurdish. In section 3 we argue, on the basis of morphological, syntactic and interpretive evidence, that linkers (at least in the languages considered) form a constituent with the A(P) that follows them and that their category is D. Section 4 contains the theoretical core of the discussion. A linker D and a determiner D have in common the fact that they are both able to satisfy argument slots of a predicative head (e.g. A). However a D closing off a DP is an operator, establishing a relation between a restrictor (the NP) and a domain of quantification (a VP). A linker D is a bound variable -it provides a satisfaction for a theta-role ultimately bound by the higher D. A cross-linguistic typology of determiners, linkers and pronominal clitics based on this analysis is provided. In section 5 we extend the analysis to pre-genitival linkers, treating genitive case as an elementary part-whole relation, of which the linker saturates the external argument (the possessum).

Phenomena of Contact and Mixing in the Arbëresh Dialects of San Marzano di San Giuseppe in Salento and Vena di Maida in Calabria

“…All in all, the exponent i is able to denote a definite referent. In other words, the part-whole relation contributes to identifying the argument, thereby introducing a definite reading in the nominal paradigm, as in (25), and as a pre-adjectival/genitive article (Manzini and Savoia 2012, 2014a, 2014bManzini et al 2014;Franco et al 2015), as in ( 29), where it agrees with the head noun. This distribution can be expressed in (31).…”

“…The formative -u is independently present in the inflectional system of Albanian, as the alternant of the definiteness element -i of the masculine singular, but with a restricted distribution after bases with final velar obstruent, as in krax-u 'the arm '. 6 The connection between pre-posed articles and linkers was proposed and motivated by Manzini and Savoia (2011b, 2012, Manzini et al (2014), andFranco et al (2015). The nature of Late Insertion as an ad hoc descriptive tool is highlighted by Chomsky (2019, p. 267), who writes: '[ .…”

Nominal linkers in Iranian languages: An introduction

“…What makes the study of nominal linkers even more interesting is the fact that these elements have been noted in non-Iranian languages as well (see Franco et al 2015 for Albanian; Baker and Collins 2006 for Bantu;Larson 2009and Paul 2012, 2017 for Chinese; Watanabe 2010 for Japanese; and Irimia et al 2014 for Romanian, among others). An investigation of linkers in non-Iranian languages is beyond the scope of this volume.…”