Form Copy(FC)-Based Approach and Its Consequences

Abstract

Recently, Chomsky(2021), Chomsky et al.(2023), and Chomsky(2024) suggest that lexical items are drawn as needed from the Lexicon and inscriptions of lexical items are available for computation. They go on to propose a new analysis of obligatory control based on the operation Form Copy(FC). In addition, Chomsky et al.(2023) also assert that when the controller NP and the controllee NP enter into a structurally identical relation FC can be applied to pairs of identical inscriptions, satisfying the following three conditions: (i) structural identity (ii) c-command (iii) co-phasehood, even if the controller NP and the controllee NP arise by EM. Given this, we will consider general principles of Merge and basic properties of FC, and show that the FC-based approach can explain the derivation of obligatory control, Across-the-Board(ATB) construction, parasitic gap structure, rightward ATB movement, covert ATB movement, and adjunct control construction. In addition, we will point out that the FC-based approach causes some problems in the co-phasehood condition and the overgeneration of FC. In addition, as for the motivation for copy invisibility of FC, we will suggest Measurement Disturbance(MD), which indicates that measuring one property of copy elements in FC inherently disturbs another property of copy elements in FC