Multiple spell-out approach to wh-fronting

This thesis adopts the framework of the Phase Theory as outlined in Chomsky (2000; 2001) and puts forward a novel approach to wh-question formation. It compares a single wh-fronting language (English) with a multiple wh-fronting language (Polish) and provides a unified account of the derivation of wh-questions in the languages under consideration. I argue that the differences in structural representations of multiple wh-questions between Polish and English are attributed to the differences in mapping to PF. The assumption is adopted that Spell-Out does not apply in a uniform manner across languages. More specifically, while Polish is subject to multiple Spell-Out, which applies at the level of every strong phase (v*P and CP), in English, Spell-Out is based on convergence and applies once the syntactic derivation is completed.
This work adopts a split-CP approach to clause structure (Rizzi 1997; 2001) and argues that features participating in wh-movement in Polish and English involve [Wh; Q], an assumption which has recently been challenged in the literature.
Finally, the phenomenon of Sluicing is investigated and it is illustrated that the asymmetries in Superiority effects between fully-fledged wh-questions and multiple sluicing constructions in Polish follow from particular properties of the C system; more specifically, the absence of TopP in sluicing structures in Polish.