reproducedwhich

Reproducedwhich is a term used in theoretical linguistics to describe a cross-clausal discourse phenomenon in which a wh-phrase, typically which, is repeated or reproduced in a subsequent clause to anchor reference to an antecedent element. The repetition serves to reinforce or reactivate the same referent across sentences, aiding cohesion and listener recall. The concept is primarily discussed in studies of discourse strategy and echo-question structures, and is treated as a naming convenience for a particular pattern of referential repetition.

Etymology and scope: The term combines reproduced and which, highlighting the core mechanism—reproducing the same wh-phrase in a following clause. Reproducedwhich is not a standard syntactic operation like wh-movement, but rather a pragmatic-discourse device observed in some dialogues, reported speech, and stylized expository writing. While it has not become a widely standardized label, it appears in theoretical discussions as a way to categorize cross-sentential repetition of wh-phrases.

Usage and properties: Reproducedwhich typically involves repeating the exact wh-phrase from an earlier clause in a later clause to refer to the same chosen option, object, or referent. It functions as a coherence cue, clarifying which element is under discussion and reducing potential ambiguity in multi-referent discourse. The construction is analyzed as a discourse strategy rather than a pure syntactic feature and may vary in acceptability across languages and genres.

Illustrative example: In a report comparing options, one might first pose which option would maximize efficiency, and later refer back to which option as the focus of the decision, effectively reproducing the same wh-phrase to anchor the referent.

See also: wh-movement, discourse analysis, echo question, anaphora, cohesion.