Where syntax meets pragmatics: varieties ofde seand control structures

Abstract

AbstractIn this contribution, we offer an original analysis of the relation between control structures,de sereadings and Immunity to Error through Misidentification. We propose that control structures are the result of an operation ofThematic Overwriting(TO), which conflates two thematic roles into one and delivers a logical representation whereby two properties are predicated of a unique argument. The account we propose explains a number of facts concerning control structures: (i) The fact that control structures are bound to the expression ofde seattitudes; (ii) that fact that some control structures – more precisely, those control structures involving an Experiencer subject – are bound to the expression of implicitde seattitudes, that is,de sepropositional attitudes that are immune to error through misidentification; (iii) the contrast between optional and non-optional control; (iv) the contrast between partial and exhaustive control. The account we propose also predicts a diachronic constraint on the emergence of control structures, whereby TO first emerges in the context of implicitde seattitudes and only later is extended to otherde secontexts. This prediction is supported by the attested development of control structures from Old English (OE) through early Modern English (ENE) and Middle English (ME) to Modern English.