The Syntax Of Adjectives In Noun Phrases In The Framework Of Phase Theory

The present paper draws a study on the syntax of adjectives in noun phrases within the framework of phase theory. It focuses on some classic problems, including the classification, syntactic status, and derivation of adjectives in noun phrases in phase theory. Based on Scott’s(2002) study, this thesis tries to justify the hypothesis that adjectives are the specifiers of FPs. I agree with Cinque(1995) that adjectives should be classified into three types. They are thematic adjectives, attributive adjectives and predicative adjectives. The base position of thematic adjectives and attributive adjectives is before the nouns. The base position of the predicative adjectives is after the nouns and the complements. Here, I argue that thematic adjectives are specifiers of the nouns. Attributive adjectives are specifiers of their semantic related functional heads. Predicative adjectives are specifiers of the predicative functional heads.The parallel between nominal phrases and clauses has been recognized by many linguists. Svenonius(2003) argues that QP and nP are phases in nominal phrases. However, I support the position that DP is the phase in nominal phrases rather than QP. According to Svenonius(2003), more functional heads can be added to the nominal phrases to become part of Mittelfelt. A functional head termed FagrN is proposed here. It is placed after the head n and before the nouns. It serves as the trigger of the nouns’ left movement. Another functional head termed Fpred is also proposed here. Predicative adjectives in nominal phrases are specifiers of the functional head Fpred. Thus, the model of functional heads in the nominal phrases can be showed as Op*--[D—K—Num*--[n—Fadj1—FagrN—Fadj2—N—Fpred.I agree with Cinque(1995)’s idea that nouns’ left movement is the reason to explain the different surface positions of adjectives. I argue that nouns move to a functional head termed head FagrN. There is a Feature F in the functional head FagrN. There are different parameters in the Feature F in the functional head FagrN. If the Feature F in the functional head FagrN is a strong feature, it will trigger nouns’ left movement. Different parameters exit in the Feature F in the functional head FagrN in different languages. Finally, I need to point out that this thesis is a tentative study of adjectives within the phase theory. A few languages have been analyzed here. A lot of questions concerning the studies of adjectives within the phase theory remain open to further research.