ABSTRACT
The present thesis investigates the syntax of possession in Japanese within the framework of the Minimalist Program (Chomsky 1993, 1995, 1998). In particular, I will assume the theory of movement and locality in Chomsky (1995). This short chapter spells out relevant assumptions. It must be noted that I will only discuss certain aspects of the theory which are directly relevant for this work. Section 2.1 outlines the conceptual background of the Minimalist Program. Section 2.2 discusses feature-checking. Section 2.3 introduces the relevant assumptions regarding movement and locality.
