The arguments

This chapter argues for high argument merge (HiAM), whereby all arguments are merged above the complex predicate, associated with their theta-sources within the predicate by means of a composed theta-grid at the level of vP. The lowest referential thematic argument merges in specifier of PredP, which derives ergativity. PredP can be selected by one or two applicative heads, saturating an agent and an instrument role. Theta roles introduced within the predicate can be referential or non-referential. Referential roles must be saturated by a syntactic argument, but non-referential roles remain in vP and are satisfied through an operation of restrict, which explains noun incorporation, the distribution of null and overt arguments, and fluctuations in case-marking. All types of arguments in Niuean are discussed, including internal, external, applicative, middle, indirect, and sentential arguments. The chapter concludes with a discussion of argument sharing, and raising, arguing for an ECM analysis.

Inside the noun phrase and on the edge of the sentence

This chapter discusses the structure of the noun phrase, arguing that it is tightly parallel to the structure of the sentence, with C-movement within the extended nominal projection forming nP, followed by argument merge of locative and genitive arguments, then long spinal movement of nP across the arguments, into the left periphery. The focus then turns to the left edge of nominals, examining the determiner and case particles. It is argued that the proper-common feature is the only feature remaining from the Proto-Tongic determiner system, but that the D position remains in Niuean, housing occasional determiner or linkers, and hosting quantifiers or possessors in its specifier. Number, aspect, and nominalization are also explored. The second part of the chapter explores the tense, aspect, mood particles in the CP domain, arguing for three positions. The chapter concludes with a discussion of operator movement, arguing that there is no wh-movement in Niuean.

The structure of the predicate and its place in the sentence

This chapter focuses on the predicate in Niuean, both on its position in the VSO sentence and on its internal form. It is argued that Niuean has a configurational merge structure, with the object merged as NP within VP. Since Niuean is an isolating or highly analytic language, it lacks inflection and thus, arguably, it also lacks IP. A uniform predicate fronting of vP is proposed for a range of predicate-types, into FinP in the low CP domain. The internal structure of the predicate is argued to involve successive merge of aspectual heads and predicate modifiers, with iterative C-movement, or roll-up across the domain, In conclusion, it is shown that such a structure poses problems for traditional analyses of argument structure, to be discussed in Chapter 3.

Introduction

This chapter presents a brief overview of Niue and Niuean, outlining previous work on the language. It discusses background issues such as methodology and theoretical assumptions, and provides an overview of the contents of each of the chapters, ending with some personal comments.

Niuean ergativity and overall reflections

This chapter discusses the nature of Niuean ergativity, arguing against the view that it is a surface-ergative language, or an ABS=DEF language. In the discussion, binding, control, and radical pro-drop are reviewed. It is argued that Niuean is an ABS=LOW, or inner subject language. There is no nominative subject tied to inflection, instead, what are considered subject properties are distributed between the absolutive argument or subject of predication, and the highest thematic or syntactic argument, whether that is absolutive or ergative. Predicate fronting, rather than DP movement, takes place to satisfy the EPP. The chapter concludes with typological reflections, arguing that isolating morphology and the lack of IP in Niuean, are connected to its lack of lexical categories and phi-operations, optional tense, predicate fronting, C-movement, and high argument merge (HiAM). Similarities between Niuean and polysynthetic languages are discussed, as both language types involve complex predicates and HiAM.