A computational guide to the dichotomy of features and constraints

Thomas Graf
2017 Glossa  
A contentious issue in the Minimalist literature is whether certain phenomena are best described in terms of features or constraints. Building on recent work in mathematical linguistics, I argue that constraints and features are interchangeable in Minimalist syntax. This does not invalidate the feature-constraint debate, though. Rather, the interdefinability of the two points out an unexpected loophole in the formalism that allows for massive overgeneration and produces incorrect typological
more » ... dictions. At the same time, the feature-constraint equivalence can be helpful in plugging this loophole. Graf: A computational guide to the dichotomy of features and constraints Art. 18, page 3 of 36 same abstract concept. In some cases one perspective may be easier to grasp than the other, but both further our understanding of syntax. * * * * Graf: A computational guide to the dichotomy of features and constraints Art. 18, page 19 of 36 How to cite this article: Graf, Thomas. 2017. A computational guide to the dichotomy of features and constraints. Glossa: a journal of general linguistics 2(1): 18. 1-36, DOI: https://doi.
doi:10.5334/gjgl.212 fatcat:yr5ydnr5qfhp3bqfwyinqpq7wa