Linguistics Research Works
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Browsing Linguistics Research Works by Author "Hornstein, Norbert"
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item The Extended Merge Hypothesis and the Fundamental Principle of Grammar(MDPI, 2021-10-20) Hornstein, NorbertThis paper discusses the main minimalist theory within the Minimalist Program, something I dub the (Weak) Merge Hypothesis (MH). (1) The (Weak) Merge Hypothesis (MH): Merge is a central G operation. I suggest that we extend (1) by adding to it a general principle that I dub the Fundamental Principle of Grammar (FPG). (2) The Fundamental Principle of Grammar (FPG): α and β can be grammatically related. (G-related) only if α and β have merged. Adding (1) and (2) gives us the Strong Merge Hypothesis. (3) The Strong Merge Hypothesis (SMH): All grammatical dependencies are mediated by Merge. SMH has some interesting consequences which the rest of the paper briefly reviews. Highlights include the Movement Theory of Construal, The Periscope Property on selection, as well as preserving the standard results from the Weak Merge Hypothesis.