Three-dimensional grammar

The current model of generative syntax focuses on hypo/hypertactic relations. This is the result of restrictions on phrase structure and transformations, “binary branching” for instance. Arguably, these restrictions establish a fruitful research strategy. However, at present we face the problem that a whole range of paratactic constructions such as coordination and parentheses cannot satisfactorily be dealt with. I think the scope of this problem can hardly be exaggerated. Therefore we need a solution of a fundamental type, which generalizes in some way over all different paratactic constructions. And this solution may be the introduction of a so-called third dimension into the syntax. In essence, it amounts to the addition of the relation behindance, next to dominance and precedence. In this article I intend to outline the research program on three-dimensional grammar. For reasons of space, the discussion can only be suggestive here. In section 2 I will show why paratactic constructions lead to the assumption of behindance. Section 3 discusses some of the implications for syntactic theory. Section 4 is on linearization and the number of degrees of freedom. Section 5 is the conclusion.

[1]  H. V. Riemsdijk,et al.  A far from simple matter : syntactic reflexes of syntax-pragmatics misalignments , 2001 .

[2]  F. Huddle.  Coordination , 1966, Open Knowledge Institutions.

[3]  H. C. van Riemsdijk,et al.  WH-prefixes : The case of wäisch in Swiss German , 2000 .

[4]  Mark de Vries.  Coördinatie in drie dimensies , 2002 .

[5]  de Mark Vries,et al.  On coordination and ellipsis , 1992 .

[6]  Grant Goodall,et al.  Parallel structures in syntax , 1987 .

[7]  Ljiljana Progovac,et al.  STRUCTURE FOR COORDINATION Part I , 1998 .

[8]  Howard Lasnik,et al.  A Restrictive Theory of Transformational Grammar , 1977 .

[9]  J. Koster.  Domains and dynasties: The radical autonomy of syntax , 1987 .

[10]  Jan Koster,et al.  Extraposition as Parallel Construal * , 2000 .

[11]  Petra Hendriks,et al.  Initiele coördinatie en de identificatie van woordgroepen , 2002 .

[12]  de Mark Vries,et al.  Het schemergebied tussen pronomina en anaforen , 1999 .

[13]  José Camacho.  The Structure of Coordination , 2003 .

[14]  Elly van Gelderen,et al.  Deriving conjoined XPs: a minimal deletion approach , 1997 .

[15]  H. Koopman,et al.  VARIABLES AND THE BIJECTION PRINCIPLE , 1982 .

[16]  Marjan Grootveld,et al.  On the representation of coordination , 1992 .

[17]  Marjan Jeannette Grootveld.  Parsing coordination generatively , 1994 .

[18]  de Mark Vries,et al.  The Syntax of Relativization , 2002 .

[19]  J. Zwart.  The Minimalist Program , 1998, Journal of Linguistics.

[20]  Richard S. Kayne.  The Antisymmetry of Syntax , 1994 .