A Feature Checking Approach to English Reflexives in DPs

Abstract

Ha-SeokKim, Ji-SookThe purpose of this paper is to account for the binding properties of English reflexives in DPs under the feature checking approach in Chomsky's (1995b) minimalist framework. We assume that a reflexive has a deficient referent feature (i.e., [DR]) to be checked, and the ø-features of a reflexive have to be compatible with those of the antecedent. On the basis of this definition of the reflexive, we propose that the functional category D attracts [DR] feature of a reflexive in DP if D c-commands the reflexive. In this attracted position, the [DR] feature may enter into a checking relation with a sublabel of D, namely, the affixal [R] feature. Given this assumption, we can provide an explanation why LF reflexive in DP attraction is forced and an independent condition for reflexives can be removed from the Binding Theory. <Kunsan National University, Ewha Womans University>