Abstract
The minimalist program is in part a reaction to some problems that have afflicted GB theory. A theory of grammar introduced by Chomsky in 1995 as an advance on government/binding theory while remaining within the general paradigm of the principle and parameters model of universal grammar. The cornerstone of the theory is that grammars should make use of the minimal theoretical apparatus necessary to provide a characterization of linguistic phenomena that meets the criterion of descriptive adequacy. This goal is motivated in part by the desire to minimize the acquisition burden faced by children and account for the fact that children will acquire any language they are exposed to. MP consists of three important characteristics: economy, simplicity and uniformity. The present study tries to investigate three important characteristics of minimalist program, i.e. economy, uniformity and simplicity by analyzing them from minimalist point of view and regarding different principles which help in proving them. Then it has been tried to explain the relationship between language acquisition, one of the most important principles in the realm of FLA and SLA and the above mentioned characteristics of minimalism.
Author Information
Esmail Azizi, Department of English, Darab Branch, Islamic Azad University, Darab, Iran
Firooz Sadighi, Department of English, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
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