Linguistic Minimalism

Cedric Boeckx has constructed an illuminating nontechnical exposition of the character, historical roots, new insights, and profound interdisciplinary reach of the Minimalist Program, which has for over a decade been moving the biolinguistic approach to the study of language and mind forward. For anyone who wants to learn (more) about the MP, this valuable overview is an excellent starting point. * Robert Freidin, Princeton University *
This deeply-informed study, drawing from a wide diversity of domains, provides a thoughtful perspective on how a minimalist program in linguistics emerges as a natural outcome of advances in understanding of the nature of language and its acquisition. It also outlines a course the program might take in seeking to identify the distinctive properties of human language, seperating them from the effects of more general principles, which may reduce to laws of nature. To determine its special properties has been the goal of serious enquiry into language from its ancient origins. Such inquiry is now taking quite new forms, and, as Boeckx shows, is productively investigating questions that could scarcely have been formulated not long ago. * Noam Chomsky *
Linguistic Minimalism, Origins, Methods, and Aims is an insightful presentation of the conceptual underpinnings and internal logic of the Minimalist Program. It will show the curious why those of us pursuing this program are so excited by its prospects. * Howard Lasnik, University of Maryland *
An engaging, accessible, important exposition of Chomsky's pioneering Program, including its normal scientific evolution, the higher standards of explanation it imposes and the exciting new interdisciplinary linkages it has established. * Samuel David Epstein, University of Michigan *