Topicalization and topic drop in Dutch

Abstract

Topic drop is a frequently overlooked phenomenon in Dutch syntax. However, its investigation provides valuable insight into the intricate interaction between syntax and pragmatics. This paper endeavours to bring together the results of a speech corpora study (Jansen 1981) and grammaticality tests to determine the restrictions on the distribution of null arguments in topic position. An earlier analysis (Balkenende 1995) is applied and extended to explain the data presented. The restrictions on topic drop will be shown to fall out from broader constraints on topicalization in Dutch.