Movement of Noun Phrases in Japanese

Abstract

This paper is devoted to a study of the movement of noun phrases in Japanese in general and an analysis of so-called ‘tough’ sentences in particular. ^* Contrary to the widely held view that Japanese lacks movement in syntax, I wish to claim that ‘tough’ sentences involve movement of noun phrases. The study of ‘tough’ sentences will then lead us to the problem of multiple ga sentences and to that of ‘topic’. Again, contrary to the prevailing view that topics are generated in situ, I will contend that topics, or topics that in a certain sense deserve to be so named, are derived by movement.