The features [±Strong]

Linguistics 322

Intermediate Syntax

The feature [-Strong] means that a form may lower in the syntax. Only affixes and certain operator-words such as not are marked as [-Strong]. [-Strong is a default featuare. It is normally not listed in the lexical entry of a form; it is automatically entered unless the form is marked as [+Strong]. Lowering is the least effort. The Least Effort principle, informally stated:

(1)     Principle:     Don't do if you don't have to. 

The reason why T lowers is because it needs a host. Why not insert a dummy verb right away? Because the insertion of a dummy form belongs to Last Resort, informally stated: 

(2)     Principle:     Do it if nothing else works.

Lowering belongs to the overall principle called 'Copy Feature' or 'Insert Feature' (formerly 'Move Alpha'):

(3)     Principle:     Copy a Feature if properly motivated.

A feature is copied because

1)     it is motivated by the need for a host: it is a least effort process.

2)     The blank specification of a feature must be filled.

All other words, including all lexical items are marked [+Strong]. This means that a feature can be extracted from the form.

Do-Insertion (also called Do-Support) is in example of Last Resort. For example, T requires a host. It should lower since lowering not a last resort. If it can't lower for whatever reason, then Do-Insertion applies since it is a last resort.

The feature [+Strong] is a property of operators. means that an operator must raise raise in the syntax. If an operator is marked [-Strong], then it does not rise in the syntax (but it does raise in Logical Form, the interpretive component of grammar). The feature [+Strong] is assigned as a parameter (some parameters of English). A given feature might be strong in one language and weak in another. For example, T is always weak in English, but it is strong in German root clauses.

One example of a strong operator in English is [+Q]. However, it is strong in certain contexts:

(4)     Rule:     [+Q] in English is [+Strong].

See question operator for more details. There are other strong operators; they are dealt with in specific files.

To return to the 322 course outline Click here.