Greek Topicalization: How do properties move?

Abstract

This paper argues that Greek topicalization is an A’-movement dependency which is headed by a property-denoting phrase (i.e., of type <e,t>), dislocated to a left peripheral topic position (spec,TopicP). Crucially, at the syntax-semantics interface, the dislocated topic phrase must undergo total reconstruction, which means that topicalization is obligatorily mapped to a logical form which only comprises the copy of the topic phrase in the thematic position. Through the study of Greek topicalization I examine the syntax-semantics mapping for movement chains that involve property-phrases (type <e,t>), showing that such a movement chain could not be mapped onto an individual variable or a property-denoting trace. More generally, the present paper provides novel empirical evidence for the claim that property denoting traces do not exist in natural languages (Poole 2017; 2022). As a result, topicalization resorts to total reconstruction as the only logical form which can be directly interpreted by the semantic component.

Keywords

• Topicalization; reconstruction; A'-movement; property; syntax-semantics interface