Essays in Syntactic Theory

ISBN-13: 9780415192354 / Angielski / Twarda / 2000 / 228 str.

Samuel David Epstein

Opis

These essays explore wide ranging aspects of the syntax and semantics of human languages. They also examines methods in generative linguistics, and the role of rules vs. principles in syntactic theory. Key topics covered in the work include: DT movement phenomena and the syntax of logical form DT the representation and semantic interpretation of certain empty categories DT, and the formation and representation of A-chains, A-bar chains and verb-chains. The book presents a bold hypothesis concerning methods of determining unification vs. non-unification of syntactic principles, based on comprehensive theoretical case-study. It is argued that Case and Theta subsystems are in fact distinct, and thus unification should not be sought. In addition, the book addresses the fundamental question of whether syntax is rule based vs. principle based, and advances a rule-based, UN-principled, derivational approach.

Spis treści

1. A note on functional determination and strong crossover  2. Quantifier-pro and the LF Representation of PROarb  3. The local binding condition and LF chains  4. Adjunction and pronominal variable binding  5. Quantification in null operator constructions  6. Differentiation and reduction in syntactic theory: a case study  7. Derivational constraints on A-chain formation  8. Overt scope marking and covert verb-second  9. Un-principled syntax and the derivation of syntactic relations

O autorze

Epstein, Samuel David