Flow Chart

Linguistics 322

The follow flow chart represents to ordering of the various subcomponents of the syntax component in the model of grammar (grammar).

(1)

Let's adopt the term Logical Form for the subcomponent where the propositional structure is. I have been reluctant to use it until now. The term is used by the Chomskyites to represent the initial level of semantic interpretation which is then subject to a full semantic interpretation. They are not very clear whether LF is in the grammar or not, but it must be since certain syntax-like operations go on there. In that case, it corresponds to the initial level I have been talking about.

The first step is go to the lexicon and match the each predicate and each operator with the corresponding features in the lexicon which also includes a list of grammatical forms. Only the inherent features are copied (is some sense of the term) to the predicate and operator--this includes the features upon which the categories are determined: e.g. [+N, -V] means that the form is labelled 'N' (for noun) (.lexical.insertion). Determining the phonological and orthographical forms must occur last in the second pass to the lexicon. This first step also includes building up the labels for each phrasal category so that NP dominates N plus its complement, for example.

The second step is to assign Case and then raise NPs that are unmarked for Case and are immediate complements (primary complement) of V to the subject position (adjoined to TP or become a sister of T-bar). Primary complements take precedence over secondary complements for raising (raising). This step must precede agreement since verbs need a subject with which they must agree. It is still uncertain whether this stop precedes lowering and raising (+Strong) or follows them.

The third step is to lower any nodes that are marked as bound and weak, and are not blocked from lowering by some principle (lowering). This step must precede raising (+Strong), since the latter rule raises all features of the category including the lowered features.

The fourth step is raise any category that is marked as [+Strong]. This must apply before the second pass to the lexicon which spells out features into phonological forms (questions).

The fifth step is to percolate the features adjoined to a projection up to the maximal projection and then percolate down to the head. This establishes agreement (agreement). It seems simple to apply agreement before lowers applies which lowers the features of agreement.

The sixth step is to go back to the lexicon and select the appropriate phonological forms (phonemic representation) and orthographic forms (for those who are literate). This is the final process in the component covering logical form, syntax, and morphology (lexical.insertion.2).

The last step is to go to the phonological component and proceed with the rules of phonology. See the homepage of anyone who teaches 221 and 321 (if they have a homepage).

To return to course outline Click here.