Core Syntax

Description

This fast-track introduction to syntax assumes no prior knowledge of linguistic theory. It is designed for specialist undergraduates and for those coming to linguistics for the first time as graduates, including students in computational science, artificial intelligence, and psychology.

• Concise and accessible introduction to core syntax requiring no prior knowledge of linguistic theory
• Provides a fully up to date theoretical framework for the study of syntax within the Chomskyan Minimalist model
• Emphasis on structure of syntactic arguments and on the interaction between theory, analysis, and data clearly illustrates how syntactic arguments are developed
• Chapter summaries, use of numerous diagrams and examples, and exercises make the book ideal for use on courses as well as for revision or self-study

About the Author(s)

David Adger, Professor of Linguistics, Queen Mary, University of London

Table of Contents

1:Core Concepts
2:Morphosyntactic Features
3:Constituency and Theta Roles
4:Representing Phrase Structure
5:Functional Categories I: TP
6:Subjects and Objects
7:Functional Categories II: the DP
8:Functional Categories III: CP
9:Wh Movement
10:Locality

Reviews

"Adger truly manages to achieve a good balance between a formal theoretical model and its empirical coverage. Each chapter includes excellent problem sets and a list of further readings... The author takes a lot of time to illustrate each derivation step by step, thus helping students to see the workings of a formal syntactic system. Another very positive characteristic is the approach to crosslinguistic variation, which is given consistently in terms of features.... I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants a text that presents minimalist syntax in a clear way and with data from a vast array of languages."" - Artemis Alexiadou, Language

"This book is intended as an introduction to three things. Firstly, the fact that syntax should be carried out using a consistent set of theoretical assumptions. Secondly, as the title says, 'core' areas of syntax are covered. Finally, the methodology of theory formation is emphasised as well. Overall I would say that the book has accomplished these aims admirably. I have found this to be an excellent introduction to Minimalist Syntax, and to syntactic theorising in general. All the ideas are presented clearly. Something I found particularly good was the way examples are worked through in detail, with each instance of feature checking specified. Also, the exercises were well presented, with some particularly difficult areas such as binding dealt with clearly ... This is a high quality textbook, which I would certainly recommend." - Linguist List