X bar schema
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The document describes the X-bar schema, which models the structure of phrases. The schema states that all phrases have a three-level structure consisting of a head (X), its projection (X'), and the maximal projection (XP). A phrase contains a head, and may also contain a specifier attached at the XP level and a complement attached at the X' level. The document provides examples of phrases consisting of different combinations of heads, specifiers, and complements. Modifiers are also discussed and are shown to attach at the XP level as sisters of X'.
![A vegetarian would neverA vegetarian would never eat [a hamburger]eat [a hamburger]
headhead
In [the house]In [the house]
headhead](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/xbarschema-130611223931-phpapp02/85/X-bar-schema-14-320.jpg)
X bar schema
- 2. A typical phrase can be brokenA typical phrase can be broken down into three parts:down into three parts: 1. HEAD1. HEAD 2. SPECIFIER2. SPECIFIER 3. COMPLEMENT3. COMPLEMENT
- 3. XPXP (Specifier)(Specifier) XX’’ XX (Complement)(Complement) HeadHead (X(X’ is pronounced “X-bar”)’ is pronounced “X-bar”) THE X’ SCHEMA
- 4. The XThe X’ schema captures four generalizations:’ schema captures four generalizations: 1.1. All phrases have a three-level structure (X, XAll phrases have a three-level structure (X, X’ and XP)’ and XP) 2.2. All phrases contain a head, X.All phrases contain a head, X. 3.3. If there is a complement, it is attached at the intermediate xIf there is a complement, it is attached at the intermediate x’ level,’ level, as a ‘sister’ of the head.as a ‘sister’ of the head. 4.4. If there is a specifier, it is attached at the XP level.If there is a specifier, it is attached at the XP level.
- 5. HEADHEAD 1.1. The head is obligatory nucleus around which a phrase is built.The head is obligatory nucleus around which a phrase is built. 2.2. Four categories that can function as head- nouns, verbs,Four categories that can function as head- nouns, verbs, adjectives and prepositions.adjectives and prepositions. 3.3. A head may form a phrase all by itself although phrases usuallyA head may form a phrase all by itself although phrases usually consist of two or more words.consist of two or more words. 4.4. When a head phrase forms by itself, the structure has a singleWhen a head phrase forms by itself, the structure has a single straightstraight “branch” form which only the head hangs.“branch” form which only the head hangs.
- 6. Phrases consisting just a head:Phrases consisting just a head: NPNP VPVP NN’’ V’V’ NN VV booksbooks eateat
- 7. APAP PPPP AA’’ P’P’ AA PP (She is) certain(She is) certain (He went) in(He went) in
- 8. SPECIFIERSPECIFIER The type of specifier that appears in aThe type of specifier that appears in a particular phrase depends on the categoryparticular phrase depends on the category of the head.of the head.
- 9. HeadHead SpecifierSpecifier ExamplesExamples N Determiner (Det)N Determiner (Det) the, athe, a V Qualifier(Qual)V Qualifier(Qual) never, seldomnever, seldom A Degree word (Deg)A Degree word (Deg) very, quitevery, quite
- 10. Some phrases consisting of a specifierSome phrases consisting of a specifier and a head:and a head: NPNP VPVP NN’’ V’V’ DetDet NN QualQual VV thethe booksbooks nevernever overeatovereat
- 11. APAP PPPP AA’’ P’P’ DegDeg AA DegDeg PP quitequite certaincertain almostalmost inin
- 12. COMPLEMENTCOMPLEMENT Consider examples of slightly more complex phrases:Consider examples of slightly more complex phrases: 1.1. NP- aNP- a picturepicture of the oceanof the ocean 2.2. VP- alwaysVP- always watchwatch the moviethe movie 3.3. AP- quiteAP- quite certaincertain about Maryabout Mary 4.4. PP- seldomPP- seldom inin the housethe house
- 13. In addition to a specifier and theIn addition to a specifier and the underlined head, these phrases alsounderlined head, these phrases also containcontain complementcomplement.. Complement provides information aboutComplement provides information about entities and location whose existence isentities and location whose existence is implied by the meaning of the head.implied by the meaning of the head. Eg: never trust a rumourEg: never trust a rumour in the housein the house
- 14. A vegetarian would neverA vegetarian would never eat [a hamburger]eat [a hamburger] headhead In [the house]In [the house] headhead
- 15. a VP consisting of a specifier, a head and aa VP consisting of a specifier, a head and a complement:complement: VPVP VV’’ NPNP NN’’ QualQual V DetV Det NN never trust a rumournever trust a rumour
- 16. Other phrases consisting of a specifier, a head andOther phrases consisting of a specifier, a head and a complement:a complement: NPNP NN’’ DetDet NN PPPP The books about the warThe books about the war
- 17. APAP AA’’ DegDeg AA PPPP quitequite certaincertain about Maryabout Mary
- 18. PPPP PP’’ DegDeg P NPP NP almost in the housealmost in the house
- 19. Always drive the carAlways drive the car
- 20. Question: How do we analyseQuestion: How do we analyse phrases with coordinators?phrases with coordinators? Eg:Eg: upup andand downdown the stairsthe stairs Tolbi and AyyoiTolbi and Ayyoi This man and that childThis man and that child
- 21. COORDINATEDCOORDINATED STRUCTURESSTRUCTURES Properties of coordination:Properties of coordination: 1.1. A category at any level can be coordinatedA category at any level can be coordinated Eg:Eg: upup andand downdown the stairs (P + P)the stairs (P + P) the boythe boy andand the girlthe girl (NP + NP)(NP + NP) 2. The category of the coordinate structure must be2. The category of the coordinate structure must be identical to the category of the elements being conjoined.identical to the category of the elements being conjoined. NP + NP NPNP + NP NP
- 22. 3. The category of the conjoined elements3. The category of the conjoined elements must be identicalmust be identical Eg NP + NP, but not NP + APEg NP + NP, but not NP + AP The little girl and very shy??The little girl and very shy??
- 23. The coordination schemaThe coordination schema XXnn XXnn Con XCon Xnn
- 24. The coordination schema forThe coordination schema for coordinated NPcoordinated NP NPNP NP Con NPNP Con NP
- 25. This man and that childThis man and that child NPNP NPNP NPNP Det NDet N’ Det N’’ Det N’ N Con NN Con N This man and that childThis man and that child
- 29. WHERE DO WE PLACEWHERE DO WE PLACE MODIFIERS?MODIFIERS? The tall man ??The tall man ?? MODIFIER
- 30. Characteristics of modifiersCharacteristics of modifiers 1. Are attached at the XP level of phrase1. Are attached at the XP level of phrase structure, as sister of X’structure, as sister of X’ 2. Can appear at the lesft or rignt side of2. Can appear at the lesft or rignt side of the phrasethe phrase 3. Commonly consist of :3. Commonly consist of : AdvPAdvP APAP