Syntax II							Spring 2018
Assignment 11							Due Monday, 5/7

Topicalization

0.  Recall the transformation of "Topicalization":

(1)  These pigs, we need to cure of the debilitating swine flu.
(2)  In the flowerpots, she placed some roses.

1.  The first task in this problem is to determine the optimal statement
of the transformation.  In particular, what moves and where exactly
does it move to.  The examples below provide some clues:

(3)  It is clear that these pigs, we need to cure of the disease.
(4) *It is clear these pigs, that we need to cure of the disease.

Based on examples like these, where do you suppose the moved phrase
lands?

2.  But the following examples show that the situation is a bit more
complex:

(5)  These pigs, do you think we will be able to save?
(6)  These pigs, who would want to try to save?

[Some speakers will reject sentences like these, but they are common enough,
and this part of the assignment is to account for that dialect that accepts
them.]

Say why this is a problem for the story you told in part 1.

Consider now the following:

(7) *I want to know these pigs, whether you think we can save.
(8) *They are asking these pigs, who would want to try to save.

What is the difference between (5-6) and (7-8)?

3.  Now formulate a comprehensive statement of Topicalization, taking into
account all the facts observed so far.

4.  Is Topicalization unbounded?

5.  Can a Topic phrase move out of a +Q clause?
    Can a Topic phrase move out of a Relative clause?
    Can a WH phrase (Question or Relative) move out of a Topicalized clause?
    Can the gap of a that-relative be inside a Topicalized clause?

6.  Can you say anything general about all the above facts?