How to Set Parameters: Arguments From Language Change (A Bradford Book) - Softcover

Lightfoot, David W.

 
9780262620901: How to Set Parameters: Arguments From Language Change (A Bradford Book)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0262620901 ISBN 13: 9780262620901
Publisher: MIT Press, 1993

Synopsis

Over the past decade, generative grammarians have viewed language acquisition as a process of fixing option points or parameters defined in Universal Grammar. Here David Lightfoot addresses the crucial question of what it takes to set a parameter - of what kind of experience is needed to trigger the emergence of a natural kind of grammar. Lightfoot asserts that parameter setting is not sensitive to embedded material, and that it is triggered only by robust elements that are structurally simple. He observes that morphological properties play a significant role in setting parameters which have widespread syntactic effects. Using evidence from data on diachronic changes and from current work in syntactic theory, Lightfoot makes precise claims about the triggering experience that can explain a number of historical puzzles. He argues that the changes could have taken place in the way they did only if language acquisition proceeds on the basis of simple, unembedded experiences.

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About the Author

David W. Lightfoot is Professor of Linguistics, Director of the Communication, Culture, and Technology Program, and Codirector of the Interdisciplinary PhD Concentration in Cognitive Science at Georgetown University.

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Publisher
MIT Press
Publication date
1993
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0262620901
ISBN 13 
9780262620901
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
229

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780262121538: How to Set Parameters – Arguments from Language Changes

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0262121530 ISBN 13:  9780262121538
Publisher: MIT Press, 1991
Hardcover