Linearization (as part of Core Syntax)

Linear order is a precedence relation, namely a total strict order , defined between any terminal item (word/morpheme) in a pronounced sentence. No consensus either on the source of this constraint (Phonetic Form [PF] requirement or part of core syntax) or on its unicity (§31. Linearization - Idsardi & Raimi) is present yet. The mainstream perspective considers linearization as a byproduct of the monodimensional reduction, imposed by the Sensory Motor (SM) system, of the bidimensional (dominance and sisterhood) phrase structure. In these pages, I present what I believe to be the least common denominator of the minority perspective that considers a relevant part of linearization as strictly dependent on the asymmetric nature of the hierarchical structure. From this viewpoint, the induction of linear order is in fact a component of narrow syntax. Eventually, I discuss the hypothesis that the source of the relevant asymmetries is the incrementality of phrase structure building as it flows in time. The chapter is structured as follows: a brief introduction to the nature of a “genuine explanation” in grammatical theorizing will set the stage (§2). The presentation of an influential hypothesis connecting asymmetric C-command with linear order, which is Kayne’s Linear Correspondence Axiom (LCA; Kayne, 1994), will follow (§2). This section will show how the LCA intuition can be fruitfully maintained in minimalist (probe-goal) terms. Crucial empirical evidence will be offered in §3, suggesting that incrementality in the application of phrase structure building operation Merge justifies a genuine necessity of considering linearization as a core syntactic component. This evidence will include contrasts in constituency tests, such as coordination, fronting, and binding (Phillips, 1996, 2003; §4.1), the “leftward” bias for movement (Abels & Neeleman, 2012; Cinque, 2005; Kayne, 2020; §4.2), and subject islands, parasitic gaps constructions, and preposition-stranding vs pied-piping preferences (Bianchi & Chesi, 2014, 2015; §4.3). The relevance of the notion of phase (§13. Phase theory) and workspace in terms of linearization constraints will be discussed in §4.4. A theoretical consideration (the “telepathy paradox”) will precede the conclusion of this chapter, showing in which sense the discussed asymmetries should be necessarily originated from narrow syntax.