Parameters for Questions: Evidence from wh-Movement in ASL.
| Number | 708 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1990 |
| Drawer | 13 |
| Entry Date | 11/15/1999 |
| Authors | Lillo-Martin, D. |
| Contact | |
| Publication | In Ceil Lucas, (Eds.), Sign Language Research: Theoretical Issues. (1989). Gallaudet University Press. Washington, D. C. |
| url | http://www.haskins.yale.edu/Reprints/HL0708.pdf |
| Abstract | In this paper I will present some data on the formation of wh-questions in American Sign Language (ASL. The data show that wh-movement in ASL exhibits a different pattern from wh-movement in English and other languages. I make several generalizations about wh-movement possibilities in ASL, and indicate where further data are necessary. I then go on to suggest two possible theoretical analyses of these data within the Government and Binding framework (Chomsky, 1981, 1986a, b, and others). This framework makes claims about the nature of language in terms of a system of Universal Grammar, which includes abstract principles that hold for all languages and parameters by which language differences are captured. If the theory of Universal Grammar accurately describes linguistic universals, they should be tested with data from signed languages. Thus, the theory of universal grammar can be informed by sign language data. Furthermore, sign language researchers can use the technical tools from such theories to help account for generalizations observed across a variety of languages. |
| Notes |
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