ABSTRACT
The principles constituting Binding Theory (BT) constrain proforms and characterize the Argument-system. In J. Koster's analysis, the BT universally determines what constitutes a local domain. In Koster's revised analysis of the BT, no special parameter setting is necessary for describing cross-linguistic variation in the area of the BT. Koster's proposal, like other current work, observes a difference between Principle A and the other Binding Principles. The theory of Universal Grammar is concerned with the relation between the subsystem of principles that apply to the empty categories (ECs), including locality principles, and the other subsystems such as the BT module. The decision to attribute the different binding behavior of phonologically overt versus nonovert pronominals in part to the BT and in part to the theory of ECs has repercussions not only for syntactic theory but also for predictions about first language acquisition.
