VDM Ungureanu, M: A Syntactic Map of DPs in Romanian

In recent years, syntactic literature distanced itself from head movement in favour of phrasal movement, particularly in the case of DP-internal syntax. This book argues for the relevance of head movement in accounting for DP-internal syntax in Romanian. This is done by providing a syntactic map of the structure and movements in Romanian DPs, from the lower domain, the base position of N, to the DP domain. First, it is argued that the affixation of the definite article is derived by head movement of the host, N or A, to D. Further, it is claimed that postnominally surfacing APs are merged to the left or to the right of the noun and the [N AP ComplNP] word order is derived by head movement of N. Here, the evidence hinges on the relative scope among APs. Finally, it is proposed that cel heads a modifier phrase, celP, where prenominal celP has the same syntactic distribution and properties as demonstratives, including the ability to license a covert definite D; conversely, postnominal celP lacks this property. This book is relevant for those interested in the DP-internal syntax of Romance and Balkan languages, X vs. XP movement and definiteness.