Syntactic Effects of Morphological Change (Paperback)

Paperback. David Lightfoot's collection explores a central aspect of language change: the nature and degree to which changes in morphology (inflectional word endings, for example) cause changes in syntax (for example, in word order). The 22 contributors consider such phenomena within the context of Chomsky's minimalist revision of his principles (of universal grammar) and parameters (of individual languages) theory. They also address some of the main unanswered problemsassociated with Professor Lightfoot's hypothesis that all grammatical change is driven by the way in which children acquire language. These questions are discussed in the context of a wide range of languagesby distinguished scholars from around the world.There are 21 chapters divided into 4 parts: Morphologically Driven Changes, Indirect Links Between Morphology and Syntax, Independent Changes in Movement Operations, and Computer Simulations. This title presents ideas on the nature and causes of language change. The authors consider how far changes in morphology (for example, inflectional word endings) cause changes in syntax, such as word order. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…