LINGUIST List 15.2309

Mon Aug 16 2004

Books: Syntax: Nunes

Editor for this issue: Neil Salmond <neillinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. dgw, Linearization of Chains and Sideward Movement: Nunes

Title: Linearization of Chains and Sideward Movement
Series Title: Linguistic Inquiry Monographs

Publication Year: 2004
Publisher:	MIT Press
		http://mitpress.mit.edu/

Book URL: http://mitpress.mit.edu/promotions/books/SP20040262140853

Author: Jario Nunes, State University of Campinas, Brazil

Paperback: ISBN: 0262640554, Pages: 224, Price: U.S. $26

			
Abstract:

This highly original monograph treats movement operations within the
Minimalist Program. Jairo Nunes argues that traces are not grammatical
primitives and that their properties follow from deeper features of
the system, and, in particular, that the phonetic realization of
traces is determined by linearization computations coupled with
economy conditions regarding deletion. He proposes a version of the
copy theory of movement according to which movement must be construed
as a description of the interaction of the independent operations
Copy, Merge, Form Chain, and Chain Reduction. Empirical evidence to
support this claim includes instances of "sideward movement" between
subtrees in a derivation. According to this analysis, the
linearization of chains in the phonological component constrains
sideward movement so that it is possible to account for standard
properties of multiple gap constructions, including parasitic gap and
ATB constructions, without construction-specific operations or
principles that are not independently motivated.

Theoretical linguists will find Linearization of Chains and Sideward
Movement of great interest both theoretically and empirically. The
version of the copy theory of movement proposed by Nunes will stir
debate and shape future research in the field.

"This book is a glorious example of high theory and its rich empirical
implications. I consider it an example of syntactic analysis at its
best. Every serious syntactician will have to read and react to this
work. It is the most original and interesting work on syntax that I
have read in recent years." --Norbert Hornstein, Professor of
Linguistics, University of Maryland, College Park


Lingfield(s):	Syntax
		
Written In:	English (Language Code: ENG)


 See this book announcement on our website:
 http://linguistlist.org/get-book.html?BookID=11190.