{"product_id":"local-instability-split-topicalization-and-quantifier-float-in-german-9783110290370","title":"Local Instability: Split Topicalization and Quantifier Float in German","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis monograph argues for a novel approach to split topicalization and quantifier float in German, based on the premise that syntactic structure-building proceeds solely via free application of Merge. Following recent developments in the pursuit of a more principled theory of syntax, it is argued that the stipulative notion of ‘projection’ ought to be dispensed with: syntactic objects created by Merge are not headed, and endocentricity arises due to a simple search algorithm. When this algorithm fails, specifically in symmetric {XP,YP} structures, an unlabeled constituent results; where a label is required, such structures are locally unstable. It is argued that both split topics and floated quantifiers are the result of this kind of local instability: when an exocentric predication structure is merged in argument or adjunct position, XP must be displaced at the phase level to allow for determination of a label. It is this symmetry-breaking movement that yields the ‘split constituent’ in surface form. Based on careful empirical scrutiny of two recalcitrant problems for syntactic theory, the present work adduces substantial support for a ‘minimalist’ grammatical architecture devoid of phrase-structural residue.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Gruyter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53516458885463,"sku":"9783110290370","price":134.42,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/local-instability-split-topicalization-and-quantifier-float-in-german-9783110290370","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}