French Studies Publications
Title
Concealed Pseudo-clefts
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2001
Volume
111
Issue
10
Journal
Lingua
First Page
707
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0024-3841(00)00044-9
Last Page
727
Abstract
This paper argues for a pseudo-cleft analysis of so-called clefts in Malagasy. Evidence is presented that the clefted element is in fact the matrix (copular) predicate and that the pre-suppositional clause is a headless relative in subject position. The proposed pseudo-cleft structure accounts for the focus interpretation of this construction, due to the underlying presence of a definite description in the subject position.
Notes
Dr. Ileana Paul is currently a faculty member at The University of Western Ontario.