Passive, BA, and Topic Constructions

Abstract

The focus of this study so far has been the relation between Case and lexical NPs. Case Theory, however, is relevant not only to overt NPs but also to empty categories. Within the GB framework, chains get one Case. Therefore, NP-traces must be Caseless and variables must be assigned Case. NP-traces are generated by processes of NP-movement, such as passivization and raising. Variables are generated by processes of Wh-movement, such as topicalization and relativization. In the discussions in chapters 4 and 5 I have implicitly assumed that both NP-movement and Wh-movement exist in Chinese, generating NP-traces that are Caseless and variables that must be Case-marked. Moreover, I have assumed that these empty categories are subject to the Empty Category Principle (ECP). These assumptions have contributed significantly to the account of word order and extraction facts concerning multiple complementation structures.