Abstract
Kim, Tae Sik. 2020. Bound noun swu in Korean: a Reply to Lee (2017, 2018). Korean Journal of Linguistics, 45-3, 515-535. This paper defends an analysis of a bound noun swu in Korean provided in Kim (2014). The bound noun swu in Korean is ambiguous between Root Modality (RM) and Epistemic Modality (EM) (Ha 2007). Recently, Lee (2017, 2018) criticizes Kim (2014): we find an argument transfer operation (Grimshaw and Mester 1988) only in RM but not in EM; Kim (2014) cannot account for data when an NPI occupies an object position; Swu + eps with the EM reading is problematic. However, the argument transfer operation, which is assumed to be only in RM, is not a problem at all, since we have two different structures for the bound noun swu. Also, Kim (2014) can easily account for an NPI in an object position. The unavailability of the EM reading with swu + eps can be attributed to subcategorization framework, Phonology or a PPI/NPI distinction. Rather, Lee (2017, 2018) suffers from several problems. Her tensed/untensed distinction with RM and EM is not tenable due to problematic data, and the grammaticalized nature of the bound noun swu cannot be explained. Furthermore, Lee (2017, 2018) cannot capture a theta-role relationship between a subject and an embedded predicate in the case of RM. Lee (2017, 2018) also assumes unnecessary lexical entries, which begs additional motivation. (Seoul National University of Science & Technology)
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 515-535 |
| Number of pages | 21 |
| Journal | 언어 |
| Volume | 45 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2020 |