Agreement, Case and Definiteness in Balkan Existential Constructions
This paper discusses agreement and definiteness effects in existential constructions in Balkan existentials constructions. I build on the restriction on definiteness properties of existential pivots known as definiteness effect: post-copular pivots in existentials have to be indefinite. In Balkan...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Fondazione Università Ca' Foscari
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Balcania et Slavia |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://doi.org/10.30687/BES/2785-3187/2024/01/001 |
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| Summary: | This paper discusses agreement and definiteness effects in existential constructions in Balkan existentials constructions. I build on the restriction on definiteness properties of existential pivots known as definiteness effect: post-copular pivots in existentials have to be indefinite. In Balkan languages, the contrast is also signaled by the use of a dedicated copula exhibiting singular neuter agreement. I argue that existential pivots are interpreted as semantic objects, as evidenced by the assignment of non-nominative case. I propose that existential copulas take two nominals: the post-copular pivot and a pre-copular null expletive, which behaves as the subject of the construction.
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| ISSN: | 2785-3187 |