On Multiple Wh-Constructions in English

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to argue for a descriptive principle for so-called" .neriority" effects concern ing multiple wh-constructions in English . That is , this paper proposes the principle of scope-binding(PSB) as an alternative to LF conditions such as the ECP, the PCC and the GBT, which have been independently suggested in the GB framework. The PSB is regarded as a sort of scope interpretation principle for wh-in-situ extensively found in multiple wiz-constructions in English, equipped with the mechanism of coindexation that contributes to the determination of a relevant scope for wh-in-situ at S-structure. It is consequently demonstrated that many empirical problems resulting from the effect of such LF approaches in the GB framework may disappear in a framework with the PSP that is assumed to apply to S-structure representation after coindexation of wh-in-situ with [+WH] COMP.