Earticle

This study aims to analyze the inversion constructions in Medieval French, and compare their parametric variations from a syntactic perspective. We will verify their various syntactic properties after observing the V2 phenomena in Modern French inversion constructions, which will be based on the analysis of Medieval French counterparts. In particular, we will adopt a generalized speculation that the Modern French inversion structure complies with the v-T-C rising system, differently from the Modern English structure. After analyzing the inversion constructions in the two Medieval French texts; Histoire de Saint Louis(14c) and Quinze Joies du Mariage(15c), we will shed light on the following parametric variations: First, which syntactic characteristics are shared or maintained in their inversion constructions despite a long gap of one century? Second, which syntactic properties are evolved or inherited to the Modern French counterparts? Finally, from which syntactic rules or principles are the Medieval French inversion constructions generated? The other materials adopted in this study are the following Old French texts: La Chanson de Roland(12c), La Quest del Saint Graal(13c).

This study aims at analyzing the quotative inversion constructions(QIC) in Old/Medieval/Modern French, and verifying their parametric variations from the syntactic, semantic and pragmatical point of view. Although the QICs in Old French are somewhat rare in their frequency, we will compare them with the Medieval French counterparts. Following the analytical results derived from the rules and constraints in Modern French QICs, we will apply them to those in Old/Medieval French. Consequently, we will observe and deal with the following parametric variations: First, why does the finite verb raise to C, and what is its trigger? Second, what are the syntactic factors that move the quotes(direct speech complements) to SPEC-CP? Third, how can the syntactic properties of subject DP(of main clause) and quotes be explained in Old/Medieval QICs? and what is different from those in ModF? Fourth, are the quotes controlled by V2 as an element of main clause, or do they constitute an independent clause? Finally, are the QICs in Old/Medieval excluded from the parallel movement applied in ModF? The texts adopted in this study are La Chanson de Roland(11-12c, OF), Le Chevalier de la Charette(12-13c, OF), and La Vie de Saint Louis(14c, MF), Les Quinze Joies du Mariage(15c, MF)

This study is aimed at proposing the following two possibilities and analyzing them in connection with the positions of objects in Old French(OF) (11c-12c): i) Can objects move to the left position of a clause by means of Object Shift? and ii) Does the object raising comply with the feature inheritance theory proposed by Chomsky(2008) in order to realize the V2-structure of OF constructions? Although these two syntactic operations have quite close relations, we will verify which parameter can apply to them in OF considering that they operate in a different manner among languages. Consequently, we will observe and analyze the following subjects: i) The trigger in C is a tense feature which causes a finite verb to raise to C; ii) What moves an object to Spec-CP is an edge feature in C?; iii) How is the OF object raising different from the object shift?; iv) How can the status of lexical or null subject be determined during the OF object raising/shift?; v) Is the object raising/shift derived from the verb movement and the feature inheritance in OF? Shedding light on these tasks, we will clarify that the object raising/shift can be verified by the verb movement and feature inheritance in the object raising constructions observed in La Chanson de Roland(1090) and Le Chevalier de la Charrete(1179-81).