A parametric view on exclusive focus particles
Keywords: exclusive focus particles, only, parameterization, D-quantification, A-quantification, variations, exclusive doubling, Vietnamese, Yoruba, semantics, syntax-semantics interface
TL;DR: I argue that both D- and A-quantification strategies are available for exclusives, but the choice is parameterized in individual languages.
Abstract: This study argues that a view that reduces D-quantification to A-quantification is too strong and cannot be universal. I argue that both D- and A-quantification strategies are available for exclusives, but the choice is parameterized in individual languages, and shapes the empirical landscape of variations in exclusive doubling. Through a cross-linguistic survey, I demonstrate that exclusive semantics may encoded on (i) adverbial particles (as A-quantifiers); (ii) adfocal particles (as D-quantifiers); (iii) both adverbial and adfocal particles; or (iv) neither of them (but on a null operator).
Submission Number: 254
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