Amaechi, MaryGeorgi, Doreen2021-10-042021-10-042020Zeitschrift für Sprachwissenschaft 2020; 39(3): 299–327https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/20.500.12484/6519This paper discusses surface optionality in focus fronting in the Benue- Congo language Igbo. A focused XP can occur in-situ or ex-situ. We argue that the optionality does not have its origins in the syntax: in fact, exactly one focused XP has to move to the designated focus position in the left periphery in the syntax. The alternation between in-situ and ex-situ rather arises at PF: either the lowest or the topmost copy of the focus chain is pronounced. The choice is determined by semantic-pragmatic factors, i. e., we see an interaction between PF and LF. This constitutes a challenge for a strict version of the Y-model of grammar.XP-movementfocus realizationPF-optionalityY-modelcopy pronounciationBenue-Congo languagesArticle