Interactions between Differential Object Marking and Definiteness in Standard and Heritage Romanian

The observation that not all grammatical realizations in heritage languages can be attributed to transfer from a dominant language has been emphasized several recent works. This paper provides further arguments this direction Romanian. As opposed standard Romanian, the Romanian data examined here do exhibit restriction which blocks overt definiteness on differentially marked object (DOM), when latter is unmodified but interpreted as definite. Moreover, there appear differences between differential marker and (other) prepositions it comes interactions with definiteness. It shown preservation of cannot reduced transfer; some at stake, namely Serbian Russian are determinerless, nominals being used bare regardless their syntactic function. turn give support theory under must structurally set aside prepositions. If spell out P projection, complex internal structure certain classes objects, project least DP. structural complexity for DOM transparent other Romance languages, where equally obligatory surface, if definite interpretation intended. Thus, DOM-overt setting follows predictable paths variation.