Abstract
The development of a parameterized theory of Universal Grammar is still a very young idea, and so some fundamental questions are still very close to the surface: What counts as a parametric theory? What should such a theory explain? Wexler and Manzini (henceforth, W&M) provide us with a new approach to these issues, one which is sure to engender much worthwhile research and discussion. In the commentary that follows, I limit my discussion to some of the contrasts and consequences that emerge when the W&M approach is compared to what has come to be the standard account of parameters.1
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I would like to thank Robert Matthews for useful discussion of some of the issues involved. He does not necessarily share my views. I would also like ti thank Tom Roeper and Edwin Williams for their patience and editorial help.
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References
Borer, H.: 1984, Parametric Syntax, Foris Publications, Dordrecht.
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Wexler, K. and R. Manzini (this volume) ‘Parameters and learnability in binding theory’.
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© 1987 D. Reidel Publishing Company
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Safir, K. (1987). Comments on Wexler and Manzini. In: Roeper, T., Williams, E. (eds) Parameter Setting. Studies in Theoretical Psycholinguistics, vol 4. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3727-7_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-3727-7_4
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