In:Footprints of Phrase Structure: Studies in syntax in honour of Tim Stowell
Edited by María J. Arche, Jan-Wouter Zwart, Hamida Demirdache and Hagit Borer
[Linguistik Aktuell/Linguistics Today 288] 2025
► pp. 20–35
The Strong Minimalist Thesis and the science of language
Published online: 2 October 2025
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.288.02cho
https://doi.org/10.1075/la.288.02cho
Abstract
This paper suggests that the study of language may be approaching a new era in which we can
envision, and sometimes attain, genuine explanations for basic features of language and answers as to why language
should have these modules and not others. This Strong Minimalist Thesis that UG provides genuine explanations may now
be a realistic objective, with some promising initial steps even if the goal is still remote.
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