Relativization of Noun Phrase in Hindi: Comparative Study of Participle and Relative Pronoun in Terms of Noun Phrase Accessibility Hierarchy

Abstract

In this paper, we will explore relativization pertaining to the syntax of nominal modification in Hindi. As we know, relative constructions in different languages and even within one specific language exhibit different strategies of construction: participial relative clause, internally headed relative clause, and externally headed relative clause. We will discuss the structures and derivations of various types of relative constructions, particularly participial and correlative clause in Hindi. Therefore we present a comparative analysis of participial and correlative clause which leads to deriving a common logical form for equivalent sentences. Moreover, we will also illustrate the various positions that can be modified by both participial and correlative clause with respect to Noun Phrase Accessibility Hierarchy. According to Keenan and Comrie (1977), the different noun phrase positions are hierarchically relativized as a universal; subject > direct object > indirect object > oblique object > object of genitive > object of comparison. We will check its validity in both participial and correlative clause constructions. Thus this paper will basically involve three parts. Besides briefly describing three different strategies of noun modification in Hindi, the paper comprises an attempt to understand both participial and correlative clauses in general. The third part of the paper examines a comparative study of relativization in terms of the noun phrase position. Thus this work concerns itself with the study of various aspects of relativization in Hindi.