Chapter 1
The Nature of Language and Linguistics
Exercise 1.2Principles and Parameters
Look at the following statements. Decide whether they represent principles (universal features of languages in general) or parameters (the differences in the syntax of specific languages)?
In statements, the subject precedes the verb.
There are question words that request information about who, what, when, etc.
There exists a system for negation.
Questions are formed by inverting the subject and verb.
A sentence contains a subject, though it may not be overtly expressed.
Adjectives precede the noun that they modify.
The basic word order of a sentence is SuVO.
In statements, the subject must be overtly expressed.
Tense is indicated by adverbials.
Nouns refer to people, places, or things.
There is a means of expressing number.
parameter
principle
principle
parameter
principle
parameter
parameter
parameter
parameter
principle
principle