A Hybrid Analysis of Null Argument Constructions in Japanese
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Abstract
In this paper, I present two new facts about Japanese null argument constructions that cannot be explained under the null pronoun analysis: a null argument in antipronominal contexts and overt extraction from the null site. These facts can only be accounted for by an ellipsis analysis. Regard- ing the type of ellipsis, I suggest that verb-stranding VP ellipsis, as well as argument ellipsis, is available in these constructions. Support for this comes from the interpretation of certain negative polarity items in Japanese. These data also show that argument ellipsis must involve raising of the argument above the VP. I provide an analysis of argument ellipsis that captures this fact in terms of the locality on the licensing of ellipsis.