Chomskys Universal Grammar 3e - Paperback

by Vivian J. Cook (Author), Mark Newson (Author)

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

Back Jacket

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.

Author Biography

V. J. Cook is Professor of Applied Linguistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. He is author of numerous books, including Accomodating Brocolli in the Cemetary: Or Why Can't Anybody Spell? (2004) and The English Writing System (2004).

Mark Newson is Reader in the Department of English Linguistics at Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.