Left edge topics in Russian and the processing of anaphoric dependencies

Bibliographic Data

ID10140752
AuthorsMaria Polinsky (0000-0003-1460-5089, Harvard University Press, corresponding author), Eric Potsdam (0000-0002-7455-2479, University of Florida, corresponding author)
Year2014
Volume50
Issue3
Pages627-669
Publication date2014-06-04
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Linguistics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-2267 • E-ISSN: 1469-7742
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0022226714000188
OpenAlexW2131873034
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited53

This paper investigates the cost of processing syntactic versus extra-syntactic dependencies. The results support the hypothesis that syntactic dependencies require less processing effort than discourse-derived dependencies do (Reuland 2001, 2011; Koornneef 2008). The point is made through the analysis of a novel paradigm in Russian in which a preposed nominal stranding a numeral can show number connectivity ( paucal ) with a gap following the numeral or can appear in a non-agreeing ( plural ) form, as in cathedral - paucal/plural , there were three . paucal __. Numerous syntactic diagnostics confirm that when there is number connectivity, the nominal has been fronted via A′-movement, creating a syntactic A′-chain dependency. In the absence of connectivity, the construction involves a hanging topic related via discourse mechanisms to a base-generated null pronoun. The constructions constitute a minimal pair and Reuland's proposals correctly predict that the A′-movement construction will require less processing effort compared to the hanging topic construction. A self-paced reading study for contrasting pairs as in the above example showed a statistically significant slow-down after the gap with the hanging topic as opposed to the moved nominal. We take this to support the claim that a syntactic A′-chain is more easily processed than an anaphoric dependency involving a null pronoun, which must be resolved by discourse-based mechanisms

Dependency (UML · Linguistics · Natural language processing · Null (SQL · Numeral system · Parsing · Plural · Point (geometry · Pronoun · Reading (process · Artificial Intelligence · Computer Science · Language Development and Disorders · Mathematics · Neurobiology of Language and Bilingualism · Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation

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