PRO and Control in Lexical Functional Grammar: Lexical or Theory Motivated? Evidence from Kikuyu

Abstract

Control theory is a module of grammar that deals with the interpretation of the null subject of non-finite verbs. The purpose of this paper is to interrogate the claims of control theory in Lexical Functional Grammar using data from Kikuyu a Bantu language spoken in central Kenya. Specifically, the paper investigates Lexical Functional Grammar claims concerning PRO the null pronoun in a non-sharing account of control.  Various sentences are listed and analysed for control within a Lexical Functional Grammar framework before a conclusion is made. The paper argues that PRO in Lexical Functional Grammar is not equal to overt pronominals. PRO unlike overt pronominals is restricted to the subject position of non-finite verbs and would never function as an object in a clause. The paper further established that PRO is not a lexical item as claimed in Lexical Functional Grammar but rather a product of interacting conditions and principles in the theory.