Quirky subjects: Do they exist in Persian?

Abstract

This thesis studies the nature of certain subject-like NPs in Persian and examines whether or not they can be considered "Quirky Subjects". Quirky subjects are subject-like NP's that bear non-nominative case and a non-agentive theta role, yet have some properties of subjects. This work demonstrates that subject-like NPs in Persian are neither subjects nor, quirky subjects. In fact, they are "Left-dislocated constituents". In these constructions the reason for the default format of the verb is the nature of the subject, which is the psychological state rather than the subject-like NP (experiencer). Moreover, the notion of "Subject" and "Subjecthood" will be discussed and the claim that subject is not a rigid concept will be supported.