On the Possessive-Demonstrative Construction in Old English

Abstract

This paper aims to analyse the Possive-Demonstrative construction in Ole English under the minimalist perspective and examines its implications on the development of the definite article. Instead of Chomskys (2000, 2001) idea of Move, its driving force is attributed to a uF in the moving element. The possessive in the construction is assumed to carry the uF [αstrong] associated with strong declension and undergo movement to go beyond the scope of the definite D. The distal demonstrative, on the other hand, suffers the loss of deictic and anaphoric properties and reduces to a head selecting an adjective complement. Its deficiency is implemented as the absence of the uF [αstrong]. In terms of grammaticalization, the weakening of the distal demonstrative testifies the transition stage before the completion of its shift into the definite article in Early Middle English.