Definite Markers, Phi Features and Agreement - Georgetown ...

Additional evidence that the definite marker does not always attach to lexical heads is seen inSection 5, where data from complex numerals is presented. In a complex numeral like one millionfour hundred fifty thousand, it is unclear which of the component numerals is the lexical head (ifany). Nevertheless, in Amharic (where numerals are pre-nominal, and the order of the complexnumeral is as in English), the definite marker always attaches to the rightmost component of acomplex numeral. Thus, I conclude that the definite marker cannot be described as (always)attaching to lexical heads. 3Returning to the data, adjectives and relative clauses are both adjuncts, and multipleadjuncts can modify the same noun. What happens with definite marking when this is the case?If two APs modify the same noun, definite marking is obligatory on the first AP and optional onthe second.(11) tllk’-u t’k’ur(-u) betbig-DEF black(-DEF) housethe big black houseIf three APs modify the same noun, a similar pattern results.3 Thanks to an anonymous reviewer of the published version of this chapter for raising the issue. Thereviewer also notes that in several Balkan languages, suffixal/enclitic definite markers can be proven toattach to lexical heads (see Dimitrova-Vulchanova and Giusti 1998, Giusti 2002). There seems be aninteresting contrast here between Balkan definite markers (attach to lexical heads) and Semitic definitemarkers (attach to edges of phrases). See also Shlonsky 2004 (1472-1475) for evidence that in otherSemitic languages, the definite marker attaches to the left edge of an entire AP.30