The Explanatory Power of Labelling Algorithm in Minimalism and Its Deficiencies
Minimalism assumes that Merge is a fundamental operation in the computational system of human language.Syntactic objects generated via iterative Merge should be labelled so as to receive proper interpretation at the conceptual-intentional interface and what is held responsible for labelling is the labelling algorithm that functions in compliance with minimal search and efficient computation.After briefly outlining the theoretical background and the core working mechanism of the labelling algorithm,this paper discusses its explanatory power in detail.Various syntactic phenomena are handled in a unified manner through recourse to the labelling algorithm,including the unification of Extended Projection Principle and Empty Category Principle,the driving force of successive cyclic A-movement and A-bar movement and the motivation of object movement.Finally,this paper points out the unresolved conceptual as well as empirical problems that the labelling algorithm encounters.
MinimalismSimplest MergeLabelling AlgorithmMinimal Searchthe Third Factor
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