The Merge Hypothesis

‘All you need is Merge - a provocative foundation for Hornstein’s impressive collection of footnotes that forms a coherent theory of (aspects of) syntax. Labeling might further help define the human language faculty as a cognitive system. But syntacticians narrowly interested in the properties of natural language grammars can rightfully breathe a sigh of relief: Merge is all you need.’ Kleanthes K. Grohmann, Professor of Biolinguistics, University of Cyprus

‘Norbert Hornstein is one of the most lucid, engaging teachers and writers in linguistics. This work is an essential exploration of the human faculty of language, guiding the reader through the history of the generative grammar enterprise and recasting its fundamental insights into the architecture of grammar in a modern, minimalist light.’ Bridget Samuels, University of Southern California

‘With its lively style, and total command of the history and current state of the theory, this book is sure to generate productive discussion among practitioners of Minimalism, while also serving as an excellent advanced introduction to leading ideas in the field. The book reviews and presents important new arguments for the idea that Merge is the central operation of the syntax, and, with clarity and insight, advances novel ideas about its form and function. An impressive work.’ T. Daniel Seely, Program in Linguistics, Eastern Michigan University