Extrensions of Simpler Syntax, Peter Culicover (Ohio State University)
In his work, Ray Jackendoff has made a compelling case for Simpler Syntax, a minimalist theory of language formulated in terms of the Parallel Architecture (Jackendoff 20024; Culicover & Jackendoff 20055; Jackendoff 20116). We review some of our recent research, inspired by this perspective on the architecture of the language faculty and how language fits into a broader theory of cognition. Conventional approaches to a range of long-standing problems have suggested solutions in terms of derivational syntactic theory. Simpler Syntax points to plausible and arguably preferable alternatives.