Robin Allott
ABSTRACT [LOS Florida State 1998]
This is an exploration of the interaction of syntax and lexicon. The way it proceeds is twofold: first a selection of different words are substituted for words in the paradigm sentence. Secondly a series of changes in word order are made. One then considers whether with the changes made the sentence still makes sense, is comprehensible. If not, one must consider why it is that the changed sentence does not make sense, is not meaningful or is not grammatical. One can also consider in parallel another familiar language, in this case French. The operation can be seen as similar to Chomsky's well-known problem sentences such as Colourless green ideas sleep furiously - but it is a generalisation of his approach, an attempt at a systematic examination and account of the constraints on meaning. - and fundamentally an investigation of the associational organisation of language and concepts in the brain. This may help one to assess the significance of syntax in the evolutionary history of language.