Les pronoms non anaphoriques : perspectives de grammaire générative transformationnelle

Abstract

The distribution of anaphoric pronouns has been a crucial issue in ‘mainstream’ transformational grammars (in particular in the government and binding framework). Non-anaphoric pronouns have not been as extensively examined, but their analysis requires the re-examination of central tenets of transformational approaches. On the one hand the analysis of non-anaphoric pronouns requires a reflection on movement (of wh- pronouns) and motivates the distinction between deep and surface structures. The study of different wh- pronouns also requires a reflection on the more or less nominal characteristics of wh- constituents. On the other hand, the analysis of expletive pronouns (i.e. the second type of non-anaphoric pronouns) triggers a reflection on the autonomy of syntax, or on possible discrepancies between syntax and semantics.

Keywords

• transformation
• movement
• interrogative
• relative
• expletive