On Argument-Adjunct Asymmetry of Sluicing in Mandarin Chinese

This study attempts to account for the argument-adjunct asymmetry of Sluicing in Mandarin Chinese. Such an asymmetry is empirically demonstrated by a language-particular phenomenon, so-called shi-support, which is also the last resort (Chomsky, 1995a) of our linguistic mechanism. In the current related literature, shi-support is obligatory for wh-arguments but optional for wh-adjuncts (Wang, 2002). However, I argue that at the PF level shi-support is even optional for wh-arguments; that is, it is only needed in the derivation at the LF level. My analysis is crucialy based on CLM’s (1995) insightful analysis of LF Copying Theory. Departing from their analysis in crucial respects, however, I argue that a covert wh-movement also takes place simultaneously with the operation of copying the antecedent IP. For reasons of economy, such a non-overt movement is preferred and is of the least efforts (Procrastinate). In addition, evidence from shi-support argues that Sluicing in Mandarin Chinese prefers LF copying rather than PF deletion. To sum up, shi-support is compulsory for wh-arguments in that the ECP (Empty Category Principle) requirement must be satisfied at the LF level owning to the intervening “bariers” (Chomsky, 1986).