Constraint cumulativity and gradience: Wh-scrambling in Persian

This paper presents an analysis of wh-scrambling in Persian based on gradient judgment data. The experimental approach allows a more precise and reliable analysis of syntactic phenomena, in order to highlight nuanced differences in markedness. Data on simple, complex, and multiple wh-questions as well as long NP-scrambling is presented that were collected during fieldwork in Tehran, and using a gradient acceptability judgment test. The analysis provides a view on wh-scrambling where focus properties play an important role. The nuanced yet systematic differences within the range of well-formed constructions are captured with the concept of preference constraint. Their effects cumulate (in terms of violations costs). Finally, it is shown that the notion of gradience does not blur the qualitative distinction of grammatical vs. ungrammatical. Only grammatical and marginal, though not ungrammatical constructions are sensitive to preference constraints.