Abstract:

This thesis explores principled interactions between syntax and prosodic non-manual markings in American Sign Language. At the empirical focus are three strikingly similar multiple wh-questions in ASL. First, I present analyses for 3 divergent derivations corresponding to their distinct interpretations, driven by Parallel Merge and remnant movement structures. Second, I show how prosodic consequences of the syntax disambiguate this seeming paradox. Specifically, I present a two-fold generalization in which A-bar movement is the harbinger of prosodic breaks and what I call 'prosodic resets' in ASL's nonmanual prosodic system.