The structure of copular clauses in Norwegian
Terje Lohndal, Mari Nygård, Tor A. Åfarlí · 2008
In this paper we investigate how copulas are to be analyzed within a framework assuming a predication phrase (PrP). It is discussed in the literature whether copulas move from a verb phrase to the predication phrase, or whether they are directly merged in the predication phrase. We present arguments in favor of both views and conclude that both options have to be allowed by Universal Grammar. We discuss the claim that copulas have semantic content in relation to our analysis, and we further discuss the consequences for our analysis of an important difference between predication mediated by copulas and “pure” non-verbal predication as to the licensing of argument positions.