An Historical Perspective on Syntactic Trees

Abstract

The history of the two basic rule types in generative syntax makes a most interesting tale. Rewriting rules and transformations - called merge and move in their current guise - have undergone several modifications over the years, both reflecting and guiding evolutions in the generative approach to syntax. In this article, we shall take stock of the specific properties of these precursors of merge and move, with special attention to similarities and differences. The picture that emerges shows a rapprochement between these two rule types. Phrase structure rules in particular have undergone a thorough change. The transformation rule, for its part, has in some sense come full circle. Its current format - though very different in its details from earlier characterisations and embedded in a wider context which is far more advanced - bears a surprising resemblance to that of the early days of generativism.status: publishe