Syntactic Theory

This text emphasizes theory building and hypothesis testing as it develops and motivates Chomsky's "Principles and Parameters" framework.

Initial chapters guide the student through introductory topics such as X' Theory, Transformations and elementary Binding Theory.

For students needing a bridge to the primary literature, later chapters cover more advanced topics which form the core empirical background to Chomsky's Minimalist Programme, including the Empty Category Principle and Economy of Derivation/Representation.

In-text exercises engage the student at every stage of the theory development process and every chapter concludes with an "Open Issue" to encourage further exploration of the chapter's topic.