Stylistic Fronting: A Syntax-Phonology Interface

Abstract

In this paper, I explore stylistic fronting (SF) in Icelandic. It is controversial whether SF is syntactic or phonological. I show that certain puzzling properties of Icelandic SF can be accounted for under a syntax-phonology interface approach. I propose that the syntactic component is divided into two distinctive subcomponents: the narrow syntactic component and the shallow syntactic component. After narrow syntax, certain formal features like [+SF] are adjoined to the left edge of IP, activated by the invasive Articulatory-Perceptual Performance system. More precisely, SF is optionally triggered to satisfy the EPP in shallow syntax.