the syntax of dutch embedded fragment answers: on the pf-theory of islands and the wh/sluicing correlation

this paper presents new evidence in favour of merchant’s (2004, 2008) pf-theory of islands, which states that island-sensitivity is due to the presence of pf-uninterpretable traces at pf. this new evidence is provided by two types of dutch embedded fragment answers: whereas one type is island-sensitive, the other one is not. the former differs from the latter in that it involves an extra movement step, leaving an extra trace. moreover, this paper argues that the wh/sluicing correlation (van craenenbroeck and lipták 2006, 2009) makes the correct predictions regarding the (non-)embeddability of fragment answers in dutch and english. the wh/sluicing correlation states that there is a correlation between the type of wh-movement a language exhibits and the types of clausal ellipsis attested in that language. i show that it follows straightforwardly that, unlike in dutch, embedded fragment answers are not attested in english.