Two Ways of Deriving Distributive Readings

J.-R. Hayashishita

This paper argues that there are two distinct ways to interpret sentences, and 
each way can derive distributive readings (DR); hence two kinds of DR's.  A 
given sentence can always be interpreted directly based on its LF 
representation.  If it is so interpreted, the relative scope of NP's is 
determined solely on the basis of their A-position c-command relation.  When a 
given sentence is represented at LF in a particular way, it can be interpreted 
through an extra mechanism, Omega Predication (a special kind of Subject 
Predication).  DR for NPi over NPj (DR <NPi, NPj>) is derived through Omega 
Predication only if the "value" of NPi is a Subject and NPj is incorporated 
into a verb.  In support of this claim, it will be shown that when a sentence 
cannot be interpreted by means of Omega Predication, DR <non-subject NP, 
subject NP> fails to obtain, although DR <subject NP, non-subject NP> does not.

Among the implications of this paper are (i) that QR in May 1977 is not 
necessary in deriving DR <non-subject NP, subject NP>, and (ii) that the Scope 
Principle of Reinhart 1976 holds in the environments where a sentence must be 
interpreted solely on the basis of its LF representation.

Keywords: distributive readings, quantifier raising, A/A'-position, Omega Predication.