{"product_id":"9783110290370","title":"Local Instability: Split Topicalization and Quantifier Float in German","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis monograph argues for a novel approach to split topicalization and quantifier float in German, based on the premise that syntactic structure-building proceeds solely via free application of Merge. Following recent developments in the pursuit of a more principled theory of syntax, it is argued that the stipulative notion of ‘projection’ ought to be dispensed with: syntactic objects created by Merge are not headed, and endocentricity arises due to a simple search algorithm. When this algorithm fails, specifically in symmetric {XP,YP} structures, an unlabeled constituent results; where a label is required, such structures are locally unstable. It is argued that both split topics and floated quantifiers are the result of this kind of local instability: when an exocentric predication structure is merged in argument or adjunct position, XP must be displaced at the phase level to allow for determination of a label. It is this symmetry-breaking movement that yields the ‘split constituent’ in surface form. Based on careful empirical scrutiny of two recalcitrant problems for syntactic theory, the present work adduces substantial support for a ‘minimalist’ grammatical architecture devoid of phrase-structural residue.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"De Gruyter","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47057778704624,"sku":"9783110290370","price":182.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9783110290370_p0.jpg?v=1763715863","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9783110290370","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}