The Extrapolation of Relative Clauses according to the Government and Binding Theory

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the analysis of sentences with extraposed relative clauses. This transformation is studied within the framework of GB syntax. Extraposition, as a case of «move a,» must not violate any of the principles forming the subtheories of Universal Grammar. Special attention will be paid to the Subjacency Condition and the problem of where the extraposed clause moves to. Movement rules leave traces which have to be licensed by the principles too. The value chosen in English and Spanish of the pro-drop parameter can explain why extraposition takes place in some sentences, and also why this transformation seldom occurs in Spanish.