Third Factors in Language Variation and Change

This pioneering book makes an important contribution to linguistics by explaining syntactic variation and change within the most recent version of minimalist syntax. It focusses on the mechanisms necessary for syntactic computation, and suggests that these are general cognitive principles rather than principles specific to the language faculty.

In this pioneering study, a world-renowned generative syntactician explores the impact of phenomena known as ''third factors'' on syntactic change. Generative syntax has in recent times incorporated third factors – factors not specific to the language faculty – into its framework, including minimal search, labelling, determinacy and economy. Van Gelderen''s study applies these principles to language change, arguing that change is a cyclical process, and that third factor principles must combine with linguistic information to fully account for the cyclical development of ''optimal'' language structures. Third Factor Principles also account for language variation around that-trace phenomena, CP-deletion, and the presence of expletives and Verb-second. By linking insights from recent theoretical advances in generative syntax to phenomena from language variation and change, this book provides a unique perspective, making it essential reading for academic researchers and students in syntactic theory and historical linguistics.