Relativization in Mandarin Chinese

This thesis illustrates relative constructions with a particular focus on Cinque (2020)'s unified double-Headed structure. Mandarin Chinese has been selected as the main research object due to its specialties in relativization. I propose that the application of double-Headed structure needs to be combined with the multi-dominance theory, which helps to specify the composition of two Heads (internal and external) in relativization. The research explores both appositive relative clauses and resumptive pronouns, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of relative constructions and supporting the deasibility of a unified structure for relativization.

I argue against the idea that Mandarin Chinese relative clauses are actually a kind of non-finite/participial relative form where no appositive relatives are available. With this in mind, I confirm that the only relative element 'de' in Mandarin Chinese is a special complementizer, which makes the pre-nominal structure plausible in relativization. Moreover, I specify the classification of integrated appositives by distinguishing between semi-integrated and fully-integrated types. Based on structural and distributional diagonstics, I propose that Mandarin Chinese appositive relatives belong to the fully-integrated category, setting them apart from other appositive constructions.

Furthermore, the properties of resumptive pronouns shown in Mandarin Chinese and other languages trigger further considerations for classifying resumptive pronouns. Through the combination of double-Headed structure and multi-dominance theory, I characterize Mandarin resumptive pronouns as 'weak', due to their absence of overt morphological features such as case or gender.