Syntax

We develop syntactic theory in the generative tradition through the formal modelling of grammatical phenomena as well as understanding the patterns and systems of grammatical typology and variation. We combine the theoretical coherence, creativity, and precision that are the hallmarks of generative linguistics with attention to empirical detail, in the quest for better, more explanatory models of syntax and its interfaces.

We take syntax to be the bridge between sound (or sign) and meaning and therefore we are also interested in the interfaces of syntax with other areas of the grammar such as semantics, pragmatics, morphology, discourse structure, and language acquisition and processing.

The hub of activity in Syntax is the Formal and Comparative Semantics and Syntax (FoCSSy) Lab which includes Doctoral students and faculty members.

People

Core

• Dr Imke Driemel
• Professor Giuseppe Longobardi
• Professor George Tsoulas
• Dr Norman Yeo

Diachronic Syntax

• Dr Joel Wallenberg

Semantics & Pragmatics

• Dr Julia Kolkmann
• Dr Eytan Zweig

Sentence Processing

• Dr Nino Grillo
• Dr Shayne Sloggett

L2 Syntax

• Professor Heather Marsden