Difference between revisions of "Trace theory"

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==Definition==
 
'''Trace theory''' is theory about traces left by [[movement]]. This theory assumes that if an element X has been moved in the course of a derivation, it has left a [[trace]] in its original position.
 
'''Trace theory''' is theory about traces left by [[movement]]. This theory assumes that if an element X has been moved in the course of a derivation, it has left a [[trace]] in its original position.
  
=== Example ===
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== Example ==
 
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In (i) the NP ''John'' is moved while leaving a trace t, indicating its [[d-structure]] position.
in (i) the NP ''John'' is moved while leaving a trace t, indicating its [[d-structure]] position.
 
  
 
  (i) John<sub>i </sub>seems [t<sub>i </sub>to have left]
 
  (i) John<sub>i </sub>seems [t<sub>i </sub>to have left]
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Since [[theta-marking]] occurs at d-structure, it is possible to determine the thematic role of the moved NP via its trace. The concept of a trace is crucial to the theory of movement and to [[bounding theory]], because a trace can be treated as an [[empty category]]. See [[NP-trace]], [[wh-trace]].
 
Since [[theta-marking]] occurs at d-structure, it is possible to determine the thematic role of the moved NP via its trace. The concept of a trace is crucial to the theory of movement and to [[bounding theory]], because a trace can be treated as an [[empty category]]. See [[NP-trace]], [[wh-trace]].
  
=== Links ===
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== Links ==
 
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*[http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Trace+theory&lemmacode=184 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics]
[http://www2.let.uu.nl/UiL-OTS/Lexicon/zoek.pl?lemma=Trace+theory&lemmacode=184 Utrecht Lexicon of Linguistics]
 
 
 
=== References ===
 
  
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== References ==
 
* Chomsky, N. 1986a. ''Knowledge of language: its nature, origin and use,'' Praeger, New York.
 
* Chomsky, N. 1986a. ''Knowledge of language: its nature, origin and use,'' Praeger, New York.
 
* Chomsky, N. 1981. ''Lectures on Government and Binding,'' Foris, Dordrecht.
 
* Chomsky, N. 1981. ''Lectures on Government and Binding,'' Foris, Dordrecht.

Revision as of 19:45, 29 August 2014

Definition

Trace theory is theory about traces left by movement. This theory assumes that if an element X has been moved in the course of a derivation, it has left a trace in its original position.

Example

In (i) the NP John is moved while leaving a trace t, indicating its d-structure position.

(i) Johni seems [ti to have left]

Since theta-marking occurs at d-structure, it is possible to determine the thematic role of the moved NP via its trace. The concept of a trace is crucial to the theory of movement and to bounding theory, because a trace can be treated as an empty category. See NP-trace, wh-trace.

Links

References

  • Chomsky, N. 1986a. Knowledge of language: its nature, origin and use, Praeger, New York.
  • Chomsky, N. 1981. Lectures on Government and Binding, Foris, Dordrecht.
  • Chomsky, N. 1973. Conditions on transformations, in: S.R. Anderson & P. Kiparsky, A festschrift for Morris Halle, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York.
  • Riemsdijk, H. van and E. Williams 1986. Introduction to the theory of grammar, MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.
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