We analyze genitive of negation (GN) in Lithuanian. When the verb is negated, GN is realized on an object that would otherwise be realized as accusative. We demonstrate that Lithuanian GN is a syntactic (in line with Arkadiev 2016) and morphological phenomenon in contrast to Russian GN, whose realization is influenced by semantic factors (e.g. Kagan 2013). It differs from Russian (Pesetsky 1982) in that (i) it is always assigned to a DP which would otherwise bear structural accusative regardless of its semantic properties, and (ii) it cannot affect a structural nominative DP regardless of whether it is an external or internal argument. Lithuanian GN, in this respect, is similar to Polish GN (e.g. Przepiórkowski 2000, Witkoś 2008). We offer a three-layered approach to case, arguing that GN is a reflection of structural object case, assigned in syntax, then translated to morphological genitive case at PF and, finally, realized at Vocabulary Insertion (Halle & Marantz 1993). Thus, structural object case has two morphological realizations: as genitive under negation or as accusative in the absence of negation. Lithuanian also exhibits long-distance GN (Arkadiev 2016), showing that case boundaries can cross non-finite clauses without an overt CP element, suggesting these are not phases.

Synchronic alternations involving similar types of consonant/consonant metathesis are examined in Faroese and Lithuanian from both formal and functional perspectives. It is argued that by taking into account speech perception-based phonotactic constraints, we are able to gain insight into why metathesis occurs. The proposed formal account of the process is of particular theoretical interest given the apparent opacity involving the interaction of metathesis and place assimilation in Faroese. While straightforward in a serial-based account, this type of opacity has posed a challenge to Optimality Theory requiring the inclusion of additional formal devices into the theory. As we show, however, by modifying one assumption concerning the realization of the sequence, this additional formal machinery is rendered unnecessary. Opacity involving Faroese metathesis turns out to be an artifact of a particular phonological analysis.