Mismatches at the syntax-semantics interface: The case of non-finite complementation in American Norwegian

Abstract Non-finite complementation strategies found in American Norwegian (AmNo) (made available by the Corpus of Nordic Speech (CANS)) reveal unique and diverging patterns when compared to both standard dialectal English. We argue this paper that majority these divergent structures are result overextension (Rinke & Flores, 2014; Rinke et al., 2018; Putnam Hoffman, 2021; Kupisch, 2014), where heritage language speakers produce differ from grammars an attempt generate forms distinct more dominant language. Our treatment nuanced AmNo shows grammar significantly restricts bare (or naked ) TPs (Situations) serving as non-finite complements. To avoid TP-complements, has developed two distinct, yet related strategies, (1) reducing complements v Ps (Events), or (2) incorporating additional element, a preposition, ensure complement functions object preposition. analyze latter strategy instance emergence structural salience (Polinsky, 2018) syntax suggest variation is best understood syntax–semantics interface phenomenon.