Notion Of Labeling Research Articles

Is Criterial Freezing a Syntactic Illusion?

Epstein et al. (2014b) suggest, based on the labeling analysis of Chomsky (2013), that there is no NS-specific halting constraint barring syntactic wh-movement from a criterial position, contra Rizzi (2014) and Epstein (1992); that wh-movement is allowed freely in narrow syntax but the ensuing ill-formedness is the result of violating a language-specific morpho-phonological, CI requirements. In this paper, I will argue that NS-specific criterial freezing is real, not a syntactic illusion as claimed in Epstein et al. (2014b), directly affecting both CI and SM interfaces; and show how a wh-in-situ language like Korean can serve as evidence for this claim. I will also show how the system that keeps both the criterial freezing constraint and Chomsky’s (2013) notion of labeling can treat scrambling, which would otherwise be problematic under Chomsky’s (2013) labeling system.

Labeling Theory: A Reconceptualization and a Propositional Statement on Typing

Abstract In this paper, current notions of “labeling theory” are faulted for being overly inclusive and lacking theoretical specificity. In response to this, a delimitation of labeling, to the naming process, is proposed and a four stage processual conceptualization is offered relative to that delimited notion of labeling. This reconceptualization features a multi-process model involving: typing, designating; assessing; and resisting labels. Following the model overview, typing, the first stage in the sequence is examined in greater detail. Target associated appearances, consequences, responsibility, and values, are considered, as these affect typings. The impact of existing typings on subsequent typings is also examined and the problematics of assessing target information from others is considered, as well as conditions influencing confidence in target typings.