Ditransitive constructions and informational structure in European Portuguese: when the direct object is a heavy constituent
Abstract
The text analyses the relation between argument structure and information structure with “core dative verbs” in European Portuguese (EP), specifically in the constructions with heavy direct objects (DO). Developing some previous analysis , I will argue in favour of the proposal that EP has a basic construction of ditransitives where the DO is projected as complement of a low verbal category and the IO is projected in the specifier position of that verbal category. When the DP DO raises to a higher position because of Case reasons, the order V DO IO is obtained. With a heavy and focalized DO the order is V IO OD and that can be explained if the DP DO leaves a spelled-out copy. This approach makes discursive functional categories such that topic and focus in the left periphery of the Verbal Phrase unnecessary and reinforces the view that in languages like European Portuguese information structure relates, in a very strong way, Syntax and Phonology and Syntax and Prosody.
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