A Case of Pseudo-Optionality as a Consequence of Language Contact

Abstract

The current study demonstrates a case of pseudo-optionality in Chinese Wu, whereby certain adverbs can “optionally” appear in both pre-verbal position and post-verbal position. We argue that this is only a case of pseudo-optionality and that these “optional” constructions are in fact resulted from language contact between Wu and Mandarin Chinese. Importantly, no derivational relationship exists between the two adverbs, given that both are base-generated. Furthermore, the current case suggests that some phenomena related to apparent optionality can be a result of language contact, which offers a plausible account for problems related to the existence of certain optional structures under the framework of the Minimalist Program (see Chomsky 2000).