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the syntax of ellipsis evidence from dutch dialects
the syntax of ellipsis investigates a number of elliptical constructions found in dutch dialects within the framework of the minimalist program . using two case studies van craenenbroeck argues that both the pf deletion and the pro theory of ellipsis are needed to account for the full range of elliptical phenomena attested in natural language . br the first case study focuses on instances of stranding to the right of a sluiced wh phrase prepositions in english what about and demonstrative pronouns in southern dutch dialects wie dat who that . van craenenbroeck gives both of these phenomena a pf deletion analysis which turns out to have considerable repercussions for the structure of the left periphery and the syntax of wh movement . specifically while minimal wh phrases move from their ip internal base position to speccp complex ones are base generated in the split left periphery . br the second case study is concerned with short do replies in southern dutch dialects a type of contradictory reply that at first sight bears a close resemblance to english vp ellipsis . van craenenbroeck shows that in this case the ellipsis site is best represented as a null structureless proform that is licensed by the head of a high polp . moreover this pronominal is argued to occur in two other dialectal constructions as well contradictory replies of the type das nie that is not found in brabant dutch and the occurrence of subject clitics and agreement endings on the words for yes and no in southern dutch dialects e.g. ja n s yes plural they . br the syntax of ellipsis will be of interest to scholars of the left periphery wh movement and dutch dialects .