There are far more syntactically distinct languages than we might have thought; yet there are far fewer than there might have been. Questions of Syntax collects sixteen papers authored by Richard S. Kayne, a preeminent theoretical syntactician, who has sought over the course of his career to understand why both these facts are true.
With a particular emphasis on comparative syntax, these chapters collectively consider how wide a range of questions the field of syntax can reasonably attempt to ask and then answer. At issue, among other topics, are the relation between syntax and (certain aspects of) semantics, the relation between syntax and what appear to be lexical questions, the relation between syntax and morphology, the relation between syntax and certain aspects of phonology (insofar as silent elements and their properties play a substantial role), and the extent to which comparative syntax can provide new and decisive evidence bearing on these different kinds of questions. To Kayne, comparative syntax can shed light on what may initially seem lexical questions, and antisymmetry on the evolution of human language itself.
Taken as a whole, these essays elucidate the theoretical contributions of one the most influential scholars in linguistics.
Industry Reviews
"A new essay by Richard Kayne is invariably an exciting moment for students of language. Each is a gem, scrupulously executed, with challenging insights. This collection is a landmark contribution by a scholar with unique achievements and impact on the discipline." --Noam Chomsky, Laureate Professor of Linguistics, University of Arizona
"In this book, Richard Kayne, the leading pioneer in the art of comparing languages, does not only offer illuminating insights on core syntactic phenomena; by dissecting what there is, he uncovers what there could be and by doing so he shows us how a powerful theory can guide the analysis. A true landmark in the fascinating enterprise of characterising the class of possible human languages." --Andrea Moro, Professor of General Linguistics at the Institute for
Advanced Study (IUSS), Pavia, Italy
"Another impressive collection of articles by one of today's most influential linguists, who has opened entirely new areas of research. In this volume he presents new developments concerning linear order, comparative syntax, and the role of silent elements. Truly inspiring." --Guglielmo Cinque, Professor of Linguistics, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Italy
