Original scientific paper

On the notion logical subject

Dubravko Kučanda ; Pedagoški fakultet, Osijek

Abstract

This paper discusses syntactic, semantic and pragmatic aspects of the analysis of the so-called logical subjects. Logical subjects are characterized by two anomalous coding properties: oblique case marking and the lack of agreement. On the other hand, it is argued in the literature that cross-linguistically logical subjects can control reflexivization and the ellipsis of the implicit subjects of the infinitives. These two properties are typical subject properties and hence logical subjects (most frequently datives) must be subjects at some level of analysis. This paper argues that Croatian does not provide any evidence in support of the claim that datives are subjects. In Croatian, only nominatively marked subjects can antecede reflexives. Putative dative subjects can control ellipsis of the implied subjects of infinitives, but this is not an exclusive subject property in Croatian since direct objects in the accusative and indirect objects in the dative can also control subject ellipsis. The fact that dative possessors are also possible controllers of subject ellipsis suggests that this phenomenon is pragmatically determined. Croatian is shown to provide considerable evidence against and no evidence for the treatment of datives as subjects.

Keywords

dative subjects; reflexivization; control; infinitivization

Hrčak ID:

165440

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/165440

Publication date:

13.12.1999.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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