Third Factors in Language Variation and Change

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.

Preface; 1. The shift towards a minimal UG; 2. Labeling in language change; 3. Determinancy in language variation; 4. Determinancy in language change; 5. Labeling and determinancy: verb-second and expletives; 6. Adjunct incorporation and avoiding pair merge; 7. Conclusion.

Elly van Gelderen is a syntactician interested in language change. Her work shows how regular syntactic change provides insight in the Faculty of Language. Elly is the author of eleven books and eighty or so articles/chapters, the editor of two book series and has herself edited or co-edited eleven books/special issues.