Uninterpretable features

Definition

Uninterpretable features are aspects of a linguistic structure that do not have a semantic interpretation and are primarily used for the syntactic functioning of the sentence. These features play a crucial role in grammar, as they help determine the grammaticality and structure of sentences, even though they do not contribute meaning directly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Uninterpretable features must be checked in the syntactic derivation of a sentence to ensure it is grammatically correct.
2. They often appear in functional categories like Tense (T) and Agreement (Agr), which require specific morphological forms to be present.
3. Failure to check uninterpretable features can result in ungrammatical sentences, illustrating their importance in syntax.
4. Different syntactic theories approach uninterpretable features in varying ways, but they all acknowledge their role in sentence formation.
5. Understanding uninterpretable features is essential for explaining phenomena like movement and agreement in various languages.

Review Questions

• How do uninterpretable features function in the syntactic structure of sentences, and what role do they play in grammaticality?
  • Uninterpretable features serve as essential components in the syntactic structure that need to be checked for a sentence to be considered grammatical. They do not carry semantic meaning but are crucial for ensuring that the syntax aligns with grammatical rules. For example, when constructing a sentence, features related to tense or agreement must be properly addressed; otherwise, the sentence may end up being ungrammatical.
• Discuss the relationship between uninterpretable features and feature checking within syntactic theories.
  • Uninterpretable features are intimately linked to the process of feature checking in syntactic theories. Feature checking is necessary for ensuring that these features are satisfied during the derivation of a sentence. Various theories propose different mechanisms for this checking process, but all emphasize that uninterpretable features must be accounted for to maintain the grammatical integrity of the structure. This relationship highlights how syntax relies on both interpretable and uninterpretable features for proper formation.
• Evaluate how the concept of uninterpretable features contributes to our understanding of syntactic movement and agreement across different languages.
  • The concept of uninterpretable features significantly enhances our understanding of syntactic movement and agreement by explaining why certain elements may shift positions within a sentence. When an element with an uninterpretable feature is present, it may require movement to a higher position to check that feature against its corresponding head. This phenomenon is observed in many languages, which shows how uninterpretable features can drive structural changes and influence agreement patterns. By analyzing these features, linguists can better understand the underlying principles governing syntax across diverse linguistic systems.

Related terms

interpretable features:

Features that carry semantic content and contribute to the meaning of a phrase or sentence, such as tense or person.

feature checking:

The process through which uninterpretable features must be checked or satisfied in order for a sentence to be considered grammatical.

merge: An operation in syntax that combines two syntactic elements to form a larger structure, often involving the checking of features.