Boundary between syntax and morphology with especial reference to Japanese

Abstract

This thesis consists of six chapters. The first chapter focuses on some previous works on the distinction between syntax and morphology. Comments on each work imply my standpoint which is reflected in Chapter 2 and onwards.

Chapter 2 is a theoretical argument on characteristics of syntax and morphology, and relevant notions are introduced. Some are adopted from previous works, and the others are either further developed or originally suggested. These notions are applied to the Japanese language in Chapters 3 and 4.

Chapter 3 is devoted to morphological processes in Japanese. To make the first attempt to imply the syntax-morphology boundary, types of lexical entries are discussed through criteria for 'proper' entries.

Chapter 4 starts with syntactic analysis according to the notions introduced in Chapter 2. Case markers are discussed as to whether they are syntactic or morphological. Criteria of commutations are the focusing point to indicate our boundary issue. Also, some structures unique to Japanese are,studied.

Chapter 5 is perhaps the peak of this thesis. Problematic structures in Japanese as to their status in grammar are introduced and solutions are suggested. The method to solve them is consistantly derived from the notions expressed in Chapter 2 and criteria of commutations introduced in Chapter 4.

Chapter 6 is a concluding remark on the notion word as the summary of the previous chapters. It is emphasized that instead of giving the definition of 'word', this thesis has tried to provide criteria to identify the word. The criteria are established based on the notions in Chapter 2.