Weak theta features and silent arguments in Korean

Abstract

This study adopts a theta-theoretic approach to explore silent arguments in Korean syntax, a topic that has sparked considerable debate. We argue that these arguments are not present in overt syntax in Korean. In this language, arguments receiving theta roles may not undergo Merge during the process of structure-building, leading to their non-occurrence in overt syntax. However, the alleged covert argument sites must be reconstructed in logical form to enter into theta relations with the predicators that assign relevant roles. Instead of being directly inserted from the numeration, they are filled in by copying their potential antecedents in the current discourse context. A critical aspect of our analysis is that the reconstructed element at the silent argument position is a minimal head noun sufficient to satisfy the theta requirement imposed by its associated predicator. We demonstrate that this framework provides a comprehensive explanation for various empirical phenomena (including those reported in prior research) related to silent arguments in Korean without the need for additional assumptions or stipulations.