The Merge Hypothesis: A Theory of Aspects of Syntax

The Merge Hypothesis is the central empirical theoretical contribution of the Minimalist Program (MP) to syntactic theory, advocating including labels as part of the Merge Operation and centering the notion of the constituent as the key domain of syntactic commerce. This book provides an accessible overview of the MP, debunking common generative research of the past sixty years and culminating in GB theory. It is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary syntactic theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Merge Hypothesis stands as the pivotal empirical theoretical cornerstone of the Minimalist Program (MP) in syntactic theory. This comprehensive book provides a user-friendly introduction to the MP, challenging prevailing generative research of the past sixty years and culminating in the influential GB theory. In his work, the author introduces the Fundamental Principle of Grammar, which advocates incorporating labels as integral components of the Merge Operation and placing the notion of the constituent at the forefront of syntactic analysis. The early chapters of the book delineate the objectives of the MP, trace their origins to earlier descriptive and explanatory triumphs within the mentalist tradition of Generative Grammar, and offer guidance on how to further develop these goals in future endeavors to broaden the MP's descriptive and explanatory scope. This text is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to delve into the cutting-edge of contemporary syntactic theory.

Weight: 375g
ISBN-13: 9781009415774