Syntax: A Generative Introduction (review)

This new textbook covers the basic concepts of generative syntax and linguistic argumentation in an exceptionally clear and student-friendly way. The perspective taken is solidly within the GB/principles and parameters/minimalism camp although there are two chapters on other frameworks and many problem sets that would be useful in any syntax class, regardless of framework. The book is aimed at students with little or no background in syntax.

As Carnie freely admits, the innovation in this book is not in the material covered but in the style of presentation. The goal is to present the important concepts in the simplest possible way. Details and complexities are noted in grey boxes throughout, but the emphasis is on making sure that students have a solid understanding of every concept. Key concepts are highlighted, and at the end of each chapter, there is a list of all the ‘Ideas, rules and constraints’ that have been discussed in the chapter. Each chapter also includes excellent problem sets and a list of further readings.

On the whole, C does a very good job of stripping away complexities while retaining depth of explanation. Some potential users of the text may at times feel he has gone too far. In general, he does not engage in discussion of debates over the precise way to state particular theoretical constructs, and he is purposely not trying to give a thorough overview of the data that have been important in research over the past 20 years. Almost half of the book is on phrase structure, and the emphasis is on clarity rather than historical accuracy, so those who want to focus on A movement, A’ movement, and Binding may prefer other texts. There is no mention of parasitic gaps, the ECP, small clauses, or v-shells, for example, and the discussion of islands mentions only wh-islands and NP-islands (although many of the problem sets do introduce complicating data and invite the students to think about alternative accounts). My own opinion is that the emphasis of C’s book is effective and appropriate. The kind of grounding that this book provides will equip students with the tools they need to understand and evaluate specific theories.

One exciting feature of this book is the wealth of excellent problem sets dealing with a wide variety of languages. There are problem sets at the end of each chapter, a total of 88 syntax problem sets on more than 25 different languages. The problems are very clearly laid out. Some are designed to review and apply the concepts in the relevant chapter while others are designed to get students thinking and questioning. The problem sets alone are worth the price of the book, even for people who do not agree with C’s assumptions or preferred framework.

The first chapter is an overview of basic premises of generative grammar. The focus is on explaining why and how linguistics is a science. C’s intent is not to argue conclusively for the various premises of generative grammar but just to lay them out and explain them as clearly as possible. The chapter lays the groundwork for a discussion of syntax in which the existence of some sort of innate language faculty is assumed and shows how we can study human language scientifically by looking at data from both instantiated natural language and the grammaticality judgments of native speakers. Readers who do not already agree with these assumptions may not find themselves convinced and probably will not want to use this book for their classes. For those who share C’s general perspective, this is a very readable introduction.

Ch. 2 features a very clear discussion of constituents and parts of speech. It includes the best description of how to draw trees that I know of. It gives a step-by-step method and shows students how to draw trees from the bottom up or from the top down. Further, it shows how to translate from trees to brackets...