Syntactic Theory and the Structure of English
Syntactic Theory and the Structure of English
$84.99
USDA new textbook written for students with no background in syntax, which introduces them to key concepts of Chomsky's Minimalist program (e.g. merger and movement, checking, economy and greed, split VPs, agreement projections), as well as providing detailed analysis of the syntax of a range of different construction types. Illustrative material is mainly drawn from varieties of English (Belfast English, Shakespearean English, Jamaican Creole, etc.). There is a substantial glossary and extensive workbook section with helpful hints and model answers.
- Based on 1990s theory of Minimalism programme; other textbooks are based on 1970s and 1980s ideas
- Readable and non-technical
- An introductory level textbook on Minimalism
Reviews & endorsements
"...Andrew Radford's new book is so welcome. ...an easy and painless way for philosophers to bring themselves up to speed on developments in Chomsky's minimalist syntax.... ...the book very effectively presents the emerging consensus within minimalist sybtax, and provides the necessary background for pursuing topics in the primary literature. I highly recommend it to my fellow travelers in linguistically-minded philosphy of language." Robert J. Stainton
"...for those who want to go beyond the surface of word order patterns and morphological amrking, digging for deeper insights into the syntax of a language, Radford's book will certainly be of help. ...linguists working with a functionalist orientation might find it interesting to know how the Minimalist Program combines formal syntactic representations with the functional concept of economy." Joost Zwarts, Notes on Linguistics
Product details
August 1997Paperback
9780521477079
572 pages
228 × 152 × 33 mm
0.909kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- 1. Principles and parameters
- 2. Categories and features
- 3. Syntactic structure
- 4. Empty categories
- 5. Checking
- 6. Head movement
- 7. Operator movement
- 8. A movement
- 9. VP shells
- 10. Agreement projections
- Glossary and list of abbreviations
- References
- Index.
