Roots and the derivation

Abstract

Contrary to recent work in Distributed Morphology adopting Early Root Insertion (the notion that Roots are present from the outset of the syntactic derivation), we argue that Late Insertion applies to Roots just like other morphemes. We support this conclusion with empirical evidence (Root suppletion and hyponymous direct objects in noun incorporation and related constructions) and conceptual considerations (including the beneficial obviation of readjustment operations and the possibility that narrow syntax is universal). Additional data (Latin semideponent verbs) allow us to recast Embick’s (2000) licensing analysis of Latin deponent verbs as a further argument for Late Root Insertion.

Publisher

MIT Press

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Publication Title

Linguistic Inquiry

Department

Anthropology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.1162/LING_a_00136

Keywords

Roots, Late insertion, Root suppletion, Readjustment rules, Hyponymous objects, Distributed morphology

Language

English

Format

text

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS