The Skeleton Key to Language: Theoretical Linguistics Terms Every Scholar Should Know
The Architecture of Language Itself:
Terms from Theoretical Linguistics
1. I-Language (Internal Language)
Coined by Noam Chomsky, it refers to the internal, mental representation of linguistic knowledge — distinct from actual spoken or written language (E-Language).
Focuses on competence rather than performance.
2. Principles and Parameters Theory
A theoretical framework suggesting that all human languages share universal principles, but differ through parameter settings (like head directionality).
E.g., English: head-initial, Japanese: head-final.
3. Merge
The basic syntactic operation in Minimalist syntax that combines two elements into a new unit.
Merge(X, Y) → {X, Y}
4. Computational System (CHL)
The core engine of language according to Minimalism — responsible for generating syntactic structures from lexical items using operations like Merge and Move.
5. Interface Conditions
The idea that the output of syntax must be interpretable by the Conceptual-Intentional and Sensory-Motor systems — linking grammar to cognition and articulation.
6. Feature Checking
Syntactic structures are built by checking and valuing grammatical features (like case, number, gender) to ensure well-formedness.
If unchecked, the derivation crashes.
7. Derivation by Phase
Syntax proceeds in chunks or “phases” (like vP and CP), and once a phase is complete, it is “spelled out” to interfaces — limiting syntactic access and increasing economy.
8. Theta Theory (θ-Theory)
A module of syntax ensuring that verbs assign the correct thematic roles (agent, patient, experiencer) to their arguments.
The verb “give” assigns three θ-roles: giver, receiver, object.
9. Extended Projection Principle (EPP)
Every clause must have a subject, even if it's semantically empty.
Explains “It is raining.”
10. C-command
A hierarchical syntactic relation that determines binding and scope.
A node X c-commands node Y if every node dominating X also dominates Y, and X does not dominate Y.
11. Binding Theory
Explains the distribution of reflexives, pronouns, and R-expressions.
- Principle A: Reflexives must be bound locally.
- Principle B: Pronouns must be free locally.
- Principle C: R-expressions must be free globally.
Lexical properties of words (especially verbs) must be preserved across syntactic levels — ensuring consistency in argument structure.
13. Minimal Link Condition
In movement, choose the closest eligible item to move — ensuring derivational economy.
14. Wh-island Constraint
A syntactic “island” that blocks movement of a wh-element out of another wh-clause.
“What did you wonder who bought __?” → Ungrammatical
15. Strong vs. Weak Features
Grammatical features can be strong (requiring overt checking) or weak (checked covertly at LF) — critical in explaining word order variations across languages.
16. Locality of Selection (LoS)
A principle stating that heads must select their complements locally — no skipping allowed.
e.g., a verb selects for a direct object, not its grandchild node.
17. Transderivational Economy
Theoretical idea that derivations compete, and only the most economical one survives — echoing principles of optimal design.
18. Phase Impenetrability Condition (PIC)
Once a syntactic phase is complete, its internal structure becomes inaccessible for further syntactic operations — only the phase edge remains accessible.
19. Strong Generative Capacity
The ability of a grammar to generate hierarchical structure, not just strings of words — central to formal grammar models.
20. Cartesian Linguistics
An earlier Chomskyan idea proposing that language reflects innate rational structures of the mind, inspired by Descartes and rationalist philosophy.
21. Y-Model of Grammar
A conceptual model of grammar where the syntactic component branches into Phonetic Form (PF) and Logical Form (LF) — aligning form and meaning.
