On the syntax and pragmatics of the ‘why + not + XP’ construction: a cartographic approach

This article argues that the ‘why + not + XP’ construction is similar to Stripping and why-Stripping in some aspects, but it has its unique representation and derivation. As syntax encodes information that helps realize the performance of speech act, this article proposes that a syntactic structure consists of a representation of the addressor and the addressee high above in syntax; there is a response layer below and the proposition is realized in the CP layer. Accordingly, syntax is interfaced with pragmatics in the ‘why + not + XP’ construction. This article also argues that the derivation of the ‘why + not + DP’ construction involves the covert movement of the DP to [Spec, FocP] and the base-generation of the wh -phrase why in [Spec, ForceP]; the negative marker not is base-generated in the specifier of a polarity phrase which is sandwiched between ForceP and FocP; a subsequent deletion of FinP at PF derives the well-formed ‘why + not + DP’ construction. This analysis can also be extended to the explanation of similar constructions with VP, PP, AP, AdvP and CP remnants and the construction with ‘why + not’, thus providing a principled explanation of the ‘why + not + XP’ construction.