2 - Labeling in Language Change

Summary

Chapter 2 examines linguistic changes that can be accounted for by solving labeling paradoxes. In Chomsky (2013, 2015), merging a head to a phrase no longer automatically results in the projection of that head into a label and labeling paradoxes arise when two items merge that are (too) symmetric. These paradoxes can be resolved in several ways, namely by having one of the XPs move or by feature-sharing. The resolution discussed in this chapter involves the change from phrase to head, a possibility not discussed by Chomsky. The changes discussed involve pronouns reanalyzing as functional categories, i.e. as T or v, and demonstratives reanalyzing as articles and complementizers. In the changes, a third factor resolution to the labeling problem can be observed: a change from feature-sharing and agree to Minimal Search. The changes also show other factors involved, e.g. the difference between <Q,Q> and <phi,phi> sharing. The wh-elements whether and how are specifiers and show no reanalysis to head, which indicates their feature-sharing is stable.