Language, Syntax, and the Natural Sciences

Language, apart from its cultural and social dimension, has a scientific side that is connected not only to the study of 'grammar' in a more or less traditional sense, but also to disciplines like mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. This book explores developments in linguistic theory, looking in particular at the theory of generative grammar from the perspective of the natural sciences. It highlights the complex and dynamic nature of language, suggesting that a comprehensive and full understanding of such a species-specific property will only be achieved through interdisciplinary work.

Ángel J. Gallego is Professor Agregat at the Departament de Filologia Espanyola of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona.

Roger Martin is Associate Professor in the Department of Information Media and Environment Sciences at Yokohama National University, Japan.