On the Distribution of the Copula shi in Chinese Pseudo-Sluicing and Pseudo-Fragmenting

Abstract

This paper investigates the distribution of the copula shi in Chinese Pseudo- Sluicing and Fragmenting. Along the line of analysis for Sluicing and Fragmenting in English (cf. Merchant (2001) and (2004)), we argue that their counterpart constructions in Chinese with the addition of the copula derive from the Cleft sources. The empirical challenge posed by Chinese Pseudo- Sluicing and Fragmenting is that shi attached to the fragmentary question or answer phrase varies in its distribution, depending on the type of construction or of structural context where it occurs. We account for the varying distribution of shi in the two constructions, mainly by elaborating on the derivation of the Chinese Cleft construction. We note that this construction involves a focus in-situ. Following Huang (1982), we submit that like wh-phrases in-situ, their focus counterparts take scope at the periphery of a clause at covert syntax and enters into specificational relation with the cleft clause, thereby licensing shi. This mode of licensing shi accounts for most of its distribution in the constructions at hand, but other factors such as the focus of a question, the matrix vs. embedded distinction, and the make-up of a clause also affect its distribution.