The That-Trace Effect: Evidence from Spanish–English Code-Switching

The that-trace effect is the fact that many languages (like English) ban extraction of embedded-clause subjects but not objects over an overt complementizer like that, while other Spanish) allow such extractions. and its cross-linguistic variation have been subject intense research remain largely a mystery, with no clear consensus on their underpinnings. We contribute novel evidence to these debates by using Spanish–English code-switching (the use two in one sentence) test five contemporary theoretical accounts effect. conducted formal acceptability judgment experiment, manipulating extracted argument code-switch site different combinations linguistic features. found only permitted when both C head (que ‘that’) T (i.e., verb) are Spanish, either functional English. Our results demonstrate indirect support for theories we test, failing three. findings also provide new favor view tightly linked availability post-verbal subjects. Finally, outline how our can narrow range possible accounts, demonstrating data core questions theory.