The nonstandard paradigm of FNQ-constructions as topic movement

This paper claims that the nonstandard paradigm of FNQ-constructions (Miyagawa and Arikawa 2007, Miyagawa 2013) is merely a subcase of a more general type of movement, viz. topic movement of the subject to Spec,CP that leaves a trace (or copy) in support of its stranded NQ. Since topic movement, in general, leaves a trace in its external merger position (unlike A-movement), this analysis desirably furnishes a simple and natural account for the vexing problems that otherwise arise under the previous Locality approaches. Evidence for this view involves a particular pragmatic/informational structure and a phonological pattern that the nonstandard examples invariably maintain to convey the meaning of a topic-focus relation. (Kyungpook National University)