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Meeting summary 

Quick recap

The group explored various aspects of English syntax and phonology, including Scots dialect variations, modal verbs, and the complexities of prepositions in French. They discussed morphological and syntactic differences between past and present tenses in different languages, particularly focusing on Georgian and the role of modals in syntax. The conversation ended with discussions about semantic head movement, modal scope, and the challenges of categorizing verbs and their forms within a syntactic framework, with plans to meet again in December.

Next steps

• Alec: let everyone know about the last meeting of the semester in December
• Alec: discuss the best ways to use this group in thinking about what to do in the spring
• Alec: discuss whether to change some of the ways they're doing things for next semester

Summary

Scots Accents and Syntax Projections

The group discussed Scots dialect variations and the challenges of understanding different British accents, particularly focusing on vowel differences. They explored the concept of extended projections in syntax, with Alec highlighting Jane Grimshaw's work on negation and the need to identify verbal features in projections. The discussion then shifted to modal verbs, with Alec introducing a book by Joe Emmons that argues modals are not verbs, and Jim raised questions about the unique properties of "have" as both a main verb and auxiliary.

Properties of Modal-like Verbs

The group discussed the behavior of modal-like verbs in English, focusing on how certain verbs like "have" and "dare" interact with tense and agreement. They explored the properties shared by modals, including the use of bare infinitives and the absence of participle forms. Alec and Neil observed that the bare form of the verb seems to carry nominal properties, as it requires introduction by "to" or "do." The discussion raised questions about how to categorize these verbs and their forms within a syntactic framework, with Alec noting the need to consider light verbs in other languages for a more comprehensive understanding.

French Prepositions and Linguistic Structures

Heather and Alec discussed the complexities of prepositions in French, noting that de and a function similarly to case markers and take nominal complements. They referenced Richie's work on prepositions, which explores their intricate nature and movement in linguistic structures. Heather also mentioned her ongoing research into the phonological derivation of de and le, as well as her inquiry into the historical merger of paradigms between "go" and "be" in English, which George Walton found intriguing but unclear.

Suppletion in English Verbs

The group discussed the phenomenon of suppletion in English verbs, particularly focusing on the verb "go" and its historical complexities. They noted that "go" appears to be a unique case in English, with its auxiliary-like status and historical complications suggesting a more complex process than simple suppletion. Jonathan mentioned that many frequent verbs in English have auxiliary uses, and Alec referenced his previous work on the grammaticalization of the future tense with "go." The conversation concluded with a brief discussion about how root suppletion differs from inflectional processes, and the challenges in defining which verbs count as suppletive in different languages.

Verb Morphology and Language Variations

Alec and Jim discussed the complexities of verb morphology, particularly focusing on the use of roots and how different languages handle possession and tense. They explored how certain languages might have synchronic instability in their morphological systems, leading to unexpected forms like "ear" or verbs without roots. Heather mentioned a folder she and colleagues have been meaning to work on for years, related to the BGOW W distinction and how different tenses affect syntactic positions and agreement in languages like Aztec and Turkish.

Georgian Tense Syntax Discussion

Heather and Alec discussed the morphological and syntactic differences between past and present tenses in various languages, particularly focusing on Georgian. They explored how the position of the verb in relation to other inflectional morphology seems to indicate that when past is present, the verb is higher than when it's not. Jonathan joined the conversation to clarify that Georgian does not have a distinct present morpheme, and they discussed the challenges of identifying present tense morphemes across languages. The group also touched on the role of modals in syntax and the question of whether head movement can account for modal scope.

Semantic Head Movement Discussion

Alec and Jim discussed semantic head movement and modal scope, with Jim mentioning Winnie Lechner's paper on the topic. They explored the properties of a class of elements characterized by not showing participial forms and taking the bare form of the main verb as a complement. Alec explained his work on roots and zero roots, contrasting it with Richie's research on silent elements across languages. They agreed to meet again in December to discuss future plans for the group. Jim expressed appreciation for the weekly meetings, which Alec noted he would continue even with low attendance.