The Complementizer in Middle English Appositives

Analyzed are appositives for predictions concerning the range of complementizers in ME. A response is made to N. Chomsky's & H. Lasnik's view (see LLBA 12/1, 7800782) that the nonoccurrence of that in appositive relatives is due to wh-movement, a recoverability condition blocking deletion of wh-words & a surface filter. Predictions include (1) wh + that in appositives & restrictive relatives, & (2) the impossibility of wh-phrase deletion in appositives due to the recoverability condition. Data show the first prediction to be correct, but the second false: Middle English appositives may be introduced by that alone. The nonoccurence of that in modern appositives cannot be attributed to the impossibility of wh-deletion. T. Adams Muranaka