Third Factors in Language Variation and Change

- Blurb -

In this pioneering study, a world-renowned generative syntactician explores the impact of phenomena known as ' third factors' on syntactic change. Generative syntax has in recent times incorporated third factors - factors not specific to the language faculty - into its framework, including minimal search, labelling, determinacy and economy. Van Gelderen' s study applies these principles to language change, arguing that change is a cyclical process, and that third factor principles must combine with linguistic information to fully account for the cyclical development of ' optimal' language structures. Third Factor Principles also account for language variation around that-trace phenomena, CP-deletion, and the presence of expletives and Verb-second. By linking insights from recent theoretical advances in generative syntax to phenomena from language variation and change, this book provides a unique perspective, making it essential reading for academic researchers and students in syntactic theory and historical linguistics.