@article{AmaechiGeorgi2020, author = {Amaechi, Mary Chimaobi and Georgi, Doreen}, title = {On optional wh-/focus fronting in Igbo}, series = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Sprachwissenschaft}, volume = {39}, journal = {Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Sprachwissenschaft}, number = {3}, publisher = {De Gruyter}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {0721-9067}, doi = {10.1515/zfs-2020-2017}, pages = {299 -- 327}, year = {2020}, abstract = {This paper discusses surface optionality in focus fronting in the Benue-Congo language Igbo. A focused XP can occur in-situ or ex-situ. We argue that the optionality does not have its origins in the syntax: in fact, exactly one focused XP has to move to the designated focus position in the left periphery in the syntax. The alternation between in-situ and ex-situ rather arises at PF: either the lowest or the topmost copy of the focus chain is pronounced. The choice is determined by semantic-pragmatic factors, i. e., we see an interaction between PF and LF. This constitutes a challenge for a strict version of the Y-model of grammar.}, language = {en} }