ABSTRACT

In this collection of essays, the author addresses the central issues in syntax theory, comparative syntax and the theoretically conscious study of language acquisition. Key topics are explored, including the properties of null elements and the theory of parameters. Some of the essays presented here have been highly influential in their field, while others are published for the first time.

chapter 1|16 pages

Introduction *

part I|105 pages

Principles and parameters in the pronominal systems

chapter 3|16 pages

Three issues in Romance dialectology

chapter 4|27 pages

Some notes on Romance cliticization *

part II|87 pages

Locality

chapter 5|33 pages

On chain formation *

chapter 6|16 pages

On the anaphor–agreement effect *

chapter 7|15 pages

Argument/adjunct (a) symmetries

part III|84 pages

Cartography

chapter 9|28 pages

Residual verb second and the Wh Criterion

chapter 10|55 pages

The fine structure of the left periphery

part IV|43 pages

Acquisition

chapter 11|21 pages

Early null subjects and root null subjects *

chapter 12|20 pages

Some notes on linguistic theory and language development

The case of root infinitives *