Phase Asymmetry in Mandarin Chinese Nominals

This paper argues that nominal domains in Mandarin Chinese instantiate phases and exhibit the characteristic asymmetry between edge and complement. Evidence comes from both binding asymmetry and raising asymmetry. A possessor can bind the logophor ziji only when it occupies the highest position within the nominal domain, indicating that only this position is accessible to higher discourse-related structure. In addition, possessor raising is sensitive to the A/A’ status of the nominal edge, and therefore indicates successive-cyclic movement through the nominal edge. These findings reveal a robust asymmetry within the nominal domain: elements at the edge remain visible to higher operations, while those within the complement domain are inaccessible. This pattern supports the conclusion that Mandarin nominals constitute phases.