German V2 and the PF-Interface: Evidence from Dialects

What is it about?

This study presents further evidence that V2 in German relies on prosodic mapping and remapping to satisfy requirements of the PF-interface. This claim, if correct, supports the Minimalist argument that the interfaces determine whether a derivation is grammatical/acceptable or not. The output of the narrow syntax can be manipulated through remapping by the PF-interface to meet requirements of the sensorimotor component.

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Photo by Patrick Hodskins on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hodskins on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study supports the general research direction of the Minimalist program and adds new insights into the nature of V2 in German. Along with requirements of the narrow syntax, V2 must meet requirements of both the LF- and PF-interface. In other words, V2 must "make sense" as well as "sound right" according to the requirements of German (and by implication, other V2-languages).