Comparative Syntax and Language Acquisition [Hardcover]

In this collection of essays, the author addresses the central issues in syntax theory, comparative syntax and the theoretically conscious study of language acquisition. Key topics are explored, including the properties of null elements and the theory of parameters. Some of the essays presented here have been highly influential in their field, while others are published for the first time.

1. Introduction  Part I: Principles and Parameters in the Pronominal Systems  2. Null objects in Italian and the theory of pro  3. Three issues in Romance dialectology  4. Some notes on Romance cliticization  Part II: Locality  5. On chain formation  6. On the Anaphor-agreement effect  7. Argument-adjunct (a)symmetries  8. Direct perception, government and Thematic Sharing  Part III: Cartography  9. Residual Verb Second and the Wh Criterion  10. The fine structure of the left periphery  Part IV: Acquistion  11. Early null subjects and root null subjects  12. Remarks on linguistic theory and language development: The case of root infinitives