Principles

Linguistics 322-3

Syntax

Universal principles used in 322 (informally stated):

The first principle is morphological in nature:

Bound Forms

1. A bound form ([-Free] affix) requires a host or the structure will crash.

The second principle prevents unnecessary (and unwanted) processes:

Least Effort

1. Don't do it if you don't have to.

A third principle permits a process to apply only if there is no other solution. This principle affects Do-Support.

Last Resort

1. Apply this rule only if no other rule can apply.

A fourth principle permits only one lexical item per node This principle bars one node from moving into a node that is already occupied.:

1. A head level node may no more than one lexical item.

A fifth principle (in essence a universal property) states the CP and NP are cycles:

Cyclicity

1. CP and NP are each a cycle.

A sixth principle states that all movement is cyclical. Long distance movement is prohibited:

1. All movement is restricted to movement within a cyclical node or to a bridge between an embedded clause and an immediately dominate clause.

Go back to course outline 322