Rhyme and reason
Subtitle: an introduction to minimalist syntax
By: Juan Uriagereka.
Publisher: MIT Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Cambridge, Mass
Language: eng
Number of pages: 669
Subjects: Grammar, Comparative and general -- Syntax; Minimalist theory (Linguistics); Language and languages -- Philosophy
Description: This unusual book takes the form of a dialogue between a linguist and another scientist. The dialogue takes place over six days, with each day devoted to a particular topic - and the ensuing digressions. The role of the linguist is to present the fundamentals of the minimalist program of contemporary generative grammar. Although the linguist is a voice for Noam Chomsky's ideas, he is not intended to be a portrait of Chomsky himself.

The other scientist functions as a kind of devil's advocate, making the arguments that linguists tend to face from those in the "harder" sciences. In addition to the device of the dialogue, the author employs a myriad of graphics - everything from classical paintings to contemporary cartoons.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [613]-637) and index.