Scrambling, D-Linking, and the Position of the Subject

Abstract

This paper discusses the position of the subject in Japanese and its interaction with object scrambling in superiority effects. Building on Wiltschko’s (1997) arguments on D-linking and superiority, we first argue that the Japanese subject moves out of VP, providing another argument for subject movement in Japanese. We then put forward the generalization that subject movement is a necessary component of the cancellation of superiority effects, claiming that the interaction of subject movement and object scrambling leads to well-formed violations of superiority effects. We reconsider the role of D-linking in superiority effects, arguing that D-linking is not pertinent to licit violations of superiority. We also consider derivations incorporating phases and feature inheritance, suggesting one alternative approach to phase-based derivations under the proposed analysis. Finally, we discuss Miyagawa’s (2001) analysis of scrambling and show that our analysis is theoretically and empirically more adequate in the explanation of lack of superiority effects.