The lectures in this book are immensely Chomskyan in spirit, recursive-syntactic in nature, and tethered to a framework which takes as the null hypothesis the notion that language is an innate, pre-determined biological system-a system which by definition is multi-complex, human-specific, and analogous to a philosophy highly commensurate of Descartes' great proverbial adage which announces the calling for a 'ghost-in-the-machine'. The book begins with a gradual assessment of the kinds of complex constructs students of syntax need to work-up. Leading to the classic 'Four-Sentences'-each of which bears as a kind of post-mark its own decade of Chomskyan analysis-we trace the origins of generative grammar from the fields of child language acquisition (of the 1960s), to psycholinguistics (of the 1970s), to where we stand today within the Minimalist Program. Various spin-off proposals have been spawned by envisioned analyses which treat syntactic movement as the quintessential human processing-a processing which would give rise to human language. Such spin-offs include 'Proto-language' and a new treatment of the so-called morpho-syntactic 'Dual Mechanism Model'.

Minimum of Language Acquisition: Lectures in General Linguistics, Syntax, and Child Language Acquisition provides readers with a compelling exploration of how children learn languages, the barriers to acquisition, and the complex nature of language as a largely internal mental process. The text features five lectures, which include discussions of language and linguistics; movement distinctions based on inflectional versus derivational morphology; the Four Sentences; the myth of "function defines form;" and the development of grammar. Throughout these lectures, the book presents insights into traditional questions dealing with learnability problems associated with language acquisition. Additional topics include child syntactic development, second language acquisition, and phonology. The text also includes five helpful appendices on the (American) English sound system; lexical versus functional grammar as it relates to child language syntax; the differences between vertical and horizontal processing, as well as learning and acquisition; the vocal tract; and anatomy of the brain. Developed to inspire greater understanding of how children learn and process languages, Minimum of Language Acquisition is an ideal resource for courses and program in linguistics.

Minimum of English Grammar: An Introduction to Feature Theory, Volume I provides a comprehensive exploration of feature theory grammar. The text presents grammar in a way similar to the Periodic Tables of Elements-allowing for the tinkering with sub-particles of words to show how isolated features project one phrase over another, and contribute to particular phrasings. The book presents the kind of theoretical syntax highly regarded among Chomskyan linguists. Section I analyzes the segments of language in a systematic way, recognizing both lexical and functional categorization. It addresses parts of speech, movement and constituency, and common grammatical errors. Section II covers general questions surrounding linguistic phenomena. Particular attention is given to how a feature given account can assist in understanding specific language disorders and historical language change. This section includes a standalone chapter on the nature of child language acquisition. Section III is devoted to phonology and the (American) English International Phonetic Alphabet. It includes anecdotal evidence calling for a dual mechanism model of phonological representation. The final chapter discusses the use of tree diagramming in phonology. The revised first edition includes a conclusion chapter, glossary, and index, allowing the first volume to be a self-contained text. Minimum of English Grammar is an excellent introduction textbook for students of linguistics, syntax, and morphology.

"Minimum of English Grammar, Volume II" provides comprehensive exploration of Feature Theory Grammar. Feature Theory Grammar breaks down the components of traditional parts-of-speech words, allowing for fine-grained analysis. "Minimum of English Grammar" correlates Feature Theory Grammar to the Periodic Table, tinkering with sub-particles of words to show how isolated features project one phrase over another, and contribute to particular phrasings. The book presents the kind of theoretical syntax that is highly regarded among Chomskyan linguists.
"Minimum of English Grammar, Volume II" is a handbook that gives students with an introductory background in linguistics the opportunity for further analysis and consideration of the finer points of specific linguistic theory. Special attention is given to the articulation of tree structures and analyses. The book includes exercises, giving students the opportunity to apply the concepts discussed.
Beginning with an examination of tree template structures, the book moves through case theory, phrase expansion, and child language development of structure. Specific topics include:
- Case Marking and Theta Marking
- Merge Operations
- Accusative and Nominative Cases
- Object Permanence
- Theory of Mind
The appendices and glossaries of both definitions and abbreviations assist students in maximizing their understanding of the content. The book is an excellent follow-up text to "Minimum of English Grammar, Volume I," but can also be used effectively as a stand-alone text.
Joseph Galasso received his Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of Essex. Currently he is a member of both the English and Linguistics faculty as California State University, Northridge. Dr. Galasso is also an adjunct faculty member in Linguistics at California State University, Long Beach. His previous writings include papers in the field of early child syntax, and the book Child Language Acquisition: The Acquisition of Functional Categories. In addition to his own works, Dr. Galasso is a frequent editor of textbook chapters on linguistics and child language acquisition.