The distribution and interpretation of Welsh N-words *

摘要: Like many languages, Welsh has a set of n-words, nominal or adverbial elements which seem to be semantically negative. These include neb ‘no one’, dim byd ‘nothing’, ddim ‘not’, byth ‘never’, and nunlle ‘nowhere’. Unlike their English counterparts, n-words have restricted distribution, being excluded from variety contexts. Although they are apparently negative, single negation interpretation is normal where sentence contains two n-words. In this paper, we will show that there complex challenging body data here. We argue, however, storage-based analysis the kind developed within Head-driven Phrase Structure Grammar (HPSG) for French by De Swart Sag (2002) can provide an illuminating account data. The involves main ideas: (a) negative only certain clausal constituents as scope, (b) with if same scope. There considerable differences between formal literary informal colloquial Welsh. Some work concentrated on former some latter. focus here Welsh, which, it seems us, particularly interesting in area. paper organized follows. section 2, necessary background information about heads. Then, 3, turn consider semantic status, 4, look at distribution. 5, outline analysis. Next, 6, problematic but argue no problem. 7, possibility sentences n-word head. Finally, 8, summarize paper.