“Se”类空范畴视角下英语中动结构的生成语法研究

A Generative Study on English Middle Constructions from the Perspective of a “Se”-Like Empty Category

摘要: 本文在生成语法的理论框架下，通过树状图推导和特征核查，来论证英语中动结构在逻辑式层面存在隐性的“Se”类空范畴嵌入。所谓带“Se”结构，是印欧语系罗曼语族(如法语、西班牙语等)中特有的结构形态，其典型结构表现为“se + V”的黏着形式。在树状图生成的过程中，需要考虑“Se”的句法位置和其特征核查关系。理论上，“Se”通常被置于相关动词主导的附着词(Clitic)位置，该位置不仅与核心动词V形成成份统治的关系，同时V能够完成对“Se”的特征核查。从语义功能来看，带“Se”结构主要用以表示自反、相互、被动、绝对等意义。值得注意的是，虽然英语表层结构缺乏显性的“se + V”形态标记，但这种形式上的缺失或简化并未显著影响上述语义功能的表达。英语的中动结构最能体现此类语义特征，而研究发现，其“Se”成分的生成机制或不同于罗曼语族的显性移位，而是在逻辑式层面以隐性空范畴嵌入的形式来实现的。

Abstract: Under the theoretical framework of generative grammar, this paper employs tree diagram generation and feature checking to argue that English middle constructions involve a covert insertion of a “Se”-like empty category at the LF (Logical Form) level. Se-bearing constructions are a unique morphological feature in the Romance languages of the Indo-European family (e.g., French, Spanish), typically manifesting as a bound form of “se + V”. During generating the tree diagram, the syntactic position of “Se” and its feature-checking relationship must be considered. Theoretically, “Se” is generally placed in the Clitic position governed by its relevant verb (V), where it not only forms a c-command relationship with the core verb but also undergoes feature checking by V. From a semantic perspective, Se-bearing structure primarily conveys reflexive, reciprocal, passive, or absolute meanings. Notably, although English lacks overt morphological marking of the “se + V” form in its surface structure, this formal absence or simplification does not significantly hinder the expression of the aforementioned semantic functions. English middle constructions best exemplify such semantic features. The study finds that the generative mechanism of their “Se” component may differ from the overt movement observed in Romance languages, instead being realized in the form of a covert insertion of a “Se”-like empty category at the LF level.