Synopses & Reviews
This is a major new textbook on the principles and parameters theory of syntax. Students are guided through the basics of syntax up to the point where they are able to read the primary research literature and understand the latest theoretical developments. There is a brief introduction to the minimalist program, but the intent is to give students enough knowedge of pre-minimalist theory so that they can progress from it to the minimalist literature. In keeping with the emphasis on cross-linguistic research in the P&P framework, many of the main points are illustrated using data from a range of languages.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Categories and Constituents
Introduction
The Motivation for X"-Theory
The Theory of Categories
Linear and Hierarchical Structure
Clause Structure and Head Movement
The "Split-Infl" Hypothesis
Conclusion
Chapter 2. Case and Agreement
Introduction
Thematic Roles and Grammatical Functions
The Government-based Case Theory
Case and Movement
Empty Categories and Types of Movement
Categories and Case
Checking Theory
Case and Word Order
Conclusion
Chapter 3. Binding
Introduction
Anaphors and Pronouns
The Binding Theory
Referential Expressions and Empty Categories
Movement and Long-Distance Anaphora
Reflexivity
Chapter 4. Locality
Introduction
Islands
Subjacency
The Empty Category Principle
Barriers
Relativised Minimality
Locality
Conclusion
Chapter 5. Principles, Parameters and Language Acquisition
Introduction
The Argument from the Poverty of the Stimulus
Language Acquisition and Parameter Setting
Historical Change in Language.