The nature of the particle suo in the passive constructions in Classical Chinese

The main purpose of this article is to determine the syntactic nature of the particle suo in passive constructions in Classical Chinese. We argue that this particle is licensed in a similar, though not identical, fashion in Classical relatives and passives. More specifically, it is licensed in an A'-configuration provided by these two constructions and undergoes overt N ⁰ to I⁰ movement. Crucially, however, suo does not undergo further I⁰ to C⁰ movement at LF in Classical passives and thus contrasts with its counterpart in Classical relatives, which, as claimed by Ting (2005) exhibits such an operation. Under this analysis, the particle suo in Classical relatives bears a [+wh] feature whereas its counterpart in Classical passives bears a [-wh] feature and is bound by a null operator. The former is thus an operator whereas the latter is a variable. The implications of this analysis that emerge for the 'short' passives in Classical Chinese and for the 'linker' between a relative clause and its head noun in Classical and Contemporary Chinese are also discussed. The result of this investigation is shown to resolve the long-lasting controversy over the status of suo in relatives and passives in Classical Chinese and furthermore to provide an example of applying new theoretical tools to the study of Classical Chinese grammar.