Diachronic Syntax

This collection delves into the structural evolution of languages over time, showcasing various perspectives on syntactic change in Diachronic Syntax.

The book Diachronic Syntax presents a comprehensive collection of studies focused on the structural changes languages undergo over time. It compiles current research that approaches language change from various formal perspectives, offering a well-rounded examination of the topic. The introduction contextualizes the contributions, providing a state-of-the-art account of syntactic change through a generative lens. This collection showcases new writing on grammatical change, illustrating the field's breadth and its dynamic nature.

In Diachronic Syntax, the exploration of how and why syntax evolves is central, highlighting its significance in understanding the nature, use, and acquisition of language. The work responds to advancements in linguistic theory, language acquisition, and language use, while also touching on related fields such as statistical methods and evolutionary biology. Influential theories, such as Chomsky's Minimalist Programme and Kayne's antisymmetry, sharpen the focus on linguistic architecture and its impact on change processes. Additionally, Optimality Theory introduces fresh questions regarding syntax and historical transformations.

The book's fourteen chapters cover a diverse range of languages, including Germanic, Romance, Slavonic, and Chinese. A substantial introduction synthesizes the field critically, setting the stage for subsequent chapters organized into parts that address theoretical frameworks, comparative change, features and categories, and movement. The comprehensive bibliography serves as a valuable research resource. Overall, Diachronic Syntax makes a significant contribution to its field, appealing to anyone interested in the internal dynamics of language.