Word order, object shift and multiple specifiers

Given Kayne's (1994) Linear Correspondence Axiom (LCA), SOV languages are classified into overt object shift languages. On the basis of this classification, this paper first proposes the following generalization: object-oriented floating quantifiers, multiple object construction, multiple subject construction, scrambling, and extraction from within subject are permitted only in overt object shift languages. Then, claiming that only Agr with a strong D-feature can license multiple specifiers, we derive this generalization from the existing conditions on movement and feature checking in a minimalist theory. Since the distinction between Agr and other functional categories is crucial and has a wide range of consequences, Chomsky's (1995) attempt to eliminate Agr should not be tenable.∗.