영어 관계절의 통사론

Abstract

The Syntax of English Relative ClausesSuh, Suhk YongThe aim of this paper is that we can study the syntax of relative clauses by Givonian approach, instead of Chomskyan approach. I didn't try to discuss which approach is better one than the other. Instead, I think that the syntax of the relative clauses can be studies by Givonian approach which I use.According to Chomskyan approach, we discussed the derivation of English relative clauses. English relative clauses are derived by the application of Wh-Movement rule which moves Wh-phrases positioned in IP to [Spec, CP] position. Wh-phrases were not in a clause initial position of CP at D-structure. They are inside IP at D-structure. For example, at D-structure of the expression like a gentleman whom John met, the relative who originates internally within VP as the object of met. Wh-Movement rule moves Wh-phrase whom to the [Spec, CP] position at S-structure. At the result of applying Wh-Movement rule, the expression like a gentleman whom John met is derived. Givon claims that as language is an instrument of communication, discourse-pragmatic factors must be considered in studying syntax. He also claims that discourse-pragmatic factors have a great influence on the syntactic rules. Accordingly, I discussed in this paper some discourse- pragmatic factors might have much influence on the speaker's choice of a certain relative pronoun. Discourse-functional factors such as new/old information, the continuity of topic/participants, the easiness of language processing, the focus of speaker's interest had an influence on the speaker's choice of a certain relative pronoun.