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Malagasy backward object control

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 February 2026

Eric Potsdam
Eric Potsdam*
Affiliation:
University of Florida
*
Linguistics Program, P.O. Box 115454, University of Florida Gainesville, FL 32611 [potsdam@ufl.edu]
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Abstract

Backward control is an obligatory interpretational dependency between an overt controller and a nonovert controllee in which the controllee is structurally superior to the controller: Meg persuaded Δi[Roni to give up]. It contrasts with ordinary forward control, in which the controller is structurally higher: Meg persuaded Roni [Δi to give up]. Although backward control has been previously documented (Polinsky & Potsdam 2002a), clear cases are rare. This article presents an alternation between forward and backward object control in the Austronesian language Malagasy and argues for the backward-control structure. Backward control is thus a reality and needs to be incorporated into any comprehensive theory of control. The article argues against an analysis of backward control that identifies the controllee as the null pronominal pro.

Keywords

Malagasycontrolbackward controlobject controlpro

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Language , Volume 85 , Issue 4 , December 2009 , pp. 754 - 784
Copyright
Copyright © 2009 by Linguistic Society of America

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