| This dissertation investigates the so-called copula (da) and its morphological variants in Japanese, and attempts to define the structure of the nominal predicate within the general framework of Government and Binding Theory.;Adopting Extended X-Bar Theory, it investigates the distributional properties of the 'copula,' and proposes that da has a dual function: one as the copula inserted under Tense to support an aspectual feature (+Perfective), and the other as a modal under Modal with a force (+Realis). It is proposed that the only syntactic aspectual feature in Japanese is (+Perfective) and the Imperfective is a default aspect. It is argued that the obligatory occurrence of the modal da in certain types of embedded clauses is due to the selectional requirement of the feature (+Realis) by some complementizers. Two ways of licensing the feature (+WH) in Japanese are also demonstrated in the course of the discussion on embedded interrogative clauses with the nominal predicate.;The syntactic restrictions on so-called ga/no (Nominative/Genitive) conversion and da/no (the apparent attributive form of 'copula') conversion in relative clauses are discussed. It is claimed that the so-called attributive form of the 'copula' (no) is in fact the Genitive marker. After discussing the three syntactically distinct positions for nominative Case, previous accounts of ga/no conversion are examined, and an alternative analysis of ga/no conversion as incorporation interacting with index projection and inheritance of case features by traces is proposed.;Finally, the dissertation argues that des, the so-called distal variant of the copula, has a dual function. One is the (+Distal) copula inserted in T to support the feature (+Perfective). The other is a realization of the feature (+Distal) outside a TP for all three predicate types. It is proposed that there is a lexical (+Distal) feature in V that is selected by a functional head, resulting in the -mas forms of verbs. It is shown that the existing alternative orderings of Tense, Neg, and the stylistic elements in Japanese directly follow the analysis. |
