Wiley Chomsky's Universal Grammar: An Introduction

The 3rd edition of Chomsky’s Universal Grammar introduces the reader to Noam Chomsky’s theory of language by setting the specifics of syntactic analysis in the framework of his general ideas. Updated and revised to include a broader range of issues and discussion topics Traces the development of Chomsky's thinking and of the Minimalist Program since 1995, providing a new picture of this current model of syntactic theory Introduces both the general concepts of the theory of Universal Grammar and the main areas of syntax such as X-bar theory, movement and government/binding theory Includes discussion topics, exercises, and suggestions for further readings in each chapter Review "The authors have held to their promise of presenting a broad view to a broad spectrum of potential readers." (Acta Linguistica Hungarica. December 2008) “Linguist, philosopher and political activist, Noam Chomsky, has spent six decades developing his theory of Universal Grammar, a concept now central to contemporary linguistics. The authors provide a cogent, accessible introduction that situates the still-evolving concept in the broader framework of Chomsky’s work.” (Times Higher Education Supplement Review “Cook and Newson’s book is a theoretically sound and didactically well-designed overview and analysis. It will be an excellent textbook for any course on the sources and concerns of current syntactic developments, especially because it does not shy away from discussing problematic points and alternative solutions.” –István Kenesei, University of Szeged “The book is a masterly introduction to a complex body of work. The new edition has been thoroughly rewritten to bring it up to date with recent developments. For a clear and reliable guide to Chomsky’s linguistics, and its relevance to first and second language acquisition, students need look no further.” –Raphael M. Salkie, University of Brighton From the Inside Flap Noam Chomsky’s theory of Universal Grammar, which has continued to evolve over the past six decades, is central to the concerns of present-day linguistics. Chomsky's Universal Grammar introduces the reader to Chomsky’s theory of language by setting the specifics of syntactic analysis in the framework of his general ideas. This third edition explains its fundamental concepts and provides a broad overview and history of the theory based on current approaches. Technicalities are put into context, making them more accessible to the reader. The new edition has been substantially updated, providing an up-to-date picture of this rapidly changing model of syntactic theory. New material has been added throughout, including data on first and second language acquisition and the syntax of the developing Minimalist Program, such as Phase Theory. Additional discussion topics and exercises have been incorporated in each chapter to provide more student aids. From the Back Cover Noam Chomsky’s theory of Universal Grammar, which has continued to evolve over the past six decades, is central to the concerns of present-day linguistics. Chomsky's Universal Grammar introduces the reader to Chomsky’s theory of language by setting the specifics of syntactic analysis in the framework of his general ideas. This third edition explains its fundamental concepts and provides a broad overview and history of the theory based on current approaches. Technicalities are put into context, making them more accessible to the reader. The new edition has been substantially updated, providing an up-to-date picture of this rapidly changing model of syntactic theory. New material has been added throughout, including data on first and second language acquisition and the syntax of the developing Minimalist Program, such as Phase Theory. Additional discussion topics and exercises have been incorporated in each chapter to provide more student aids. About the Author V. J. Cook is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyn