"Minimum of English Grammar, Volume II" provides comprehensive exploration of Feature Theory Grammar. Feature Theory Grammar breaks down the components of traditional parts-of-speech words, allowing for fine-grained analysis. "Minimum of English Grammar" correlates Feature Theory Grammar to the Periodic Table, tinkering with sub-particles of words to show how isolated features project one phrase over another, and contribute to particular phrasings. The book presents the kind of theoretical syntax that is highly regarded among Chomskyan linguists.
"Minimum of English Grammar, Volume II" is a handbook that gives students with an introductory background in linguistics the opportunity for further analysis and consideration of the finer points of specific linguistic theory. Special attention is given to the articulation of tree structures and analyses. The book includes exercises, giving students the opportunity to apply the concepts discussed.
Beginning with an examination of tree template structures, the book moves through case theory, phrase expansion, and child language development of structure. Specific topics include:
- Case Marking and Theta Marking
- Merge Operations
- Accusative and Nominative Cases
- Object Permanence
- Theory of Mind
The appendices and glossaries of both definitions and abbreviations assist students in maximizing their understanding of the content. The book is an excellent follow-up text to "Minimum of English Grammar, Volume I," but can also be used effectively as a stand-alone text.
Joseph Galasso received his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Essex. Currently he is a member of both the English and Linguistics faculty as California State University, Northridge. Dr. Galasso is also an adjunct faculty member in Linguistics at California State University, Long Beach. His previous writings include papers in the field of early child syntax, and the book Child Language Acquisition: The Acquisition of Functional Categories. In addition to his own works, Dr. Galasso is a frequent editor of textbook chapters on linguistics and child language acquisition. "