Revisiting agent pseudo-incorporation in Turkish: a dependent case theoretic perspective

Abstract

Dependent Case Theory takes accusative to be a dependent case, assigned to an NP only if it is c-commanded by another NP. Agent pseudo-incorporation structures in Turkish, where an accusative object is required to c-command the pseudo-incorporated agent, presents a challenge to the logic of dependent case calculus. We propose a reconciliation that calls for refining the conditions for dependent case assignment. Furthermore, we argue that agent pseudo-incorporation is made possible by a head that bundles the verbalization and agent introduction functions which are assumed by distinct heads in non-incorporation structures.