earticle

영어

Optimality Theory proposes that Universal Grammar contains a set of violable constraints. The constraints spell out universal properties of languages. OT also proposes that each language has its own ranking for those constraints. Different constraint rankings result in different patterns, giving rise to the systematic variation among languages. This paper is an Optimality theoretic approach to the distribution of null pronouns in English and in Korean. The difference between the two languages in the behavior of Pros can be systematically explained by positing different hierarchy of the constraints for each language. We assume that the licensing of null subjects (or objects) in Korean can be captured by expanding the Control domain to discourse i.e., by revising the definition of existing Control Theory.