Reconstruction Redux

Abstract

Reconstruction in the minimalist theory of language is a reflex of the process of operator variable formation. Form this, it follows that reconstruction is confined to A'-movement including wh-movement, which is an instance of operator variable construction par excellence. The present research, however, shows that reconstruction emerges even in the domain of A-movement when it comes to bound variable anaphora, which is an instance of operator variable formation. Hence, the present research reveals an important generalization in the phenomenon of reconstruction in that operator variable formation is the driving force for reconstruction in A-movement as well as A'-movement. From the present research, it also follows that the trace of A-movement, namely, the full copy at the base, is not a mere theoretical excrescence as claimed by Lasnik (1999).