C-command

Definition

C-command is a syntactic relationship that determines how certain constituents, such as noun phrases and pronouns, relate to each other within a sentence structure. It plays a crucial role in understanding binding theories and how elements like pronouns interpret their references in phrases and syntactic trees. This relationship is vital for grasping how movement operations and transformations work, as it influences which elements can interact or affect one another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. C-command is defined such that an element A c-commands an element B if A does not dominate B and the first branching node that dominates A also dominates B.
2. C-command is crucial for understanding which antecedents can bind pronouns; a pronoun can only be bound by an antecedent that c-commands it.
3. The concept of c-command helps explain why certain syntactic structures can lead to ambiguity in reference and meaning.
4. C-command relations are visually represented in syntactic trees, where the hierarchical structure clarifies how different elements interact.
5. Transformations, such as topicalization or raising, often involve changes in c-command relationships, impacting the interpretation of elements within sentences.

Review Questions

• How does c-command influence the binding of pronouns in a sentence?
  • C-command influences the binding of pronouns by determining which antecedents can refer to them. For a pronoun to be bound, it must be c-commanded by its antecedent. This means that the antecedent must not dominate the pronoun directly but should share a common higher node that governs their relationship. Understanding this helps clarify when pronouns take on meanings from nearby noun phrases.
• Discuss the role of c-command in transforming syntactic structures and its impact on sentence interpretation.
  • C-command plays a significant role in transformations by affecting how constituents are rearranged within a sentence. When transformations occur, such as moving elements around or altering their positions, the c-command relationships can change, leading to different interpretations. This is important for understanding ambiguities that arise in sentences after such transformations, as they might shift the relationships between elements, impacting who refers to whom.
• Evaluate the importance of c-command in understanding both phrase structure and movement operations within syntax.
  • C-command is central to understanding both phrase structure and movement operations because it establishes critical relationships between constituents that dictate their interactions. In phrase structures, c-command relations determine how elements like noun phrases relate to one another within syntactic trees, influencing meaning and reference. When it comes to movement operations, c-command is essential for analyzing how shifts in syntax can affect binding and interpretation. This connection between c-command, structure, and movement is key to comprehending more complex syntactic theories and phenomena.

Related terms

Binding Theory: A set of principles that explains how different types of noun phrases interact with each other in terms of reference and interpretation.

Noun Phrase: A phrase that consists of a noun and its modifiers, serving as the subject or object in a sentence.

Movement: A syntactic operation that rearranges constituents within a sentence, often altering their positions in relation to one another.