ABSTRACT
We present a new proposal based on Simplest Merge. Structurally, conjuncts behave as a single unit, which can be targeted by internal Merge. Considering labeling two points are important. First, ‘and’ does not contribute to labeling. Notably, conjunctions underlie language-particular restrictions and may even be fully absent. Therefore, we analyze them as PHON-elements that appear at externalization only. Therefore, they cannot play a role in labeling. Second, coordination raises a labeling conflict. Minimal Search (MS) has to find the single head in the symmetric conjunct sets created by Merge. Importantly, MS detects the same category in each conjunct, which labels the unit. The CL-property follows. It is crucial, however, that conjuncts are labeled/transferred as a unit. If addressed separately by Transfer, the rules of interpretation would be violated. A unit of conjuncts yields a single interpretation, for instance, as an internal argument receiving a single theta role. Conjuncts are collapsed in terms of labeling, which enforces an ATB-derivation. The unit of conjuncts is rendered inaccessible to SYN. This derives CSC and ATB as side-effects. In contrast to other sets created by Merge, conjunct sets remain symmetric after labeling, which yields the impression of flat sequences at SEM.
