Minimalism has inspired many different attempts at making precise in what sense the architecture of grammar is 'economical.' Williams' theory that grammar is constituted by a restricted number of levels of representation linked by shape-preserving mappings constitutes an original and unorthodox blend of linguistic theorizing. It is a controversial idea that yields strikingly insightful analyses, tied together into a cogent and engaging argument.
Gennaro Chierchia
This book offers a unique synthesis of ideas about the development of grammar. It is, in my opinion, a fine discussion of developmental data on a particularly difficult issue which has formerly been examined only from the point of view of adult language.
J. P. Changeux, Molecular Biology Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, France
The study of language acquisition has made remarkable progress in recent years, with major contributions to linguistics and general cognitive science as well. Guasti provides an expert, lucid, and wide-ranging introduction and review that leads the reader from basic concepts to topics at the forefront of current inquiry in this rapidly developing and exciting field.
Noam Chomsky, Institute Professor, MIT
Guasti lays out in clear and simple terms the nature of the acquisition task faced by every child and provides a comprehensive overview of recent research into core areas of language development. This is an outstanding introductory textbook for undergraduates and graduate students alike and a valuable resource for anyone interested in the fascinating problem of language acquisition.
Nina Hyams, Department of Linguistics, University of California Los Angeles
Phonology, syntax, and semantics have long been the lifeblood of training in linguistics, but in the 21st century linguists will increasingly need to supplement these foundational areas with a sophisticated understanding of language acquisition. Guasti's text, engagingly peppered with terrific examples drawn from actual child language, does a first-rate job of introducing students and professionals to the methods and questions in current research on how children acquire syntax and semantics.
Gary F. Marcus, Department of Psychology, New York University
One of the most breathtaking developments of late twentieth-century linguistics was the long-awaited convergence of linguistic theory with empirical work on language acquisition. Thanks to Guasti, these results are now accessible to linguistics students of the new century. Guasti's textbook is clear, comprehensive, and exciting, and the obvious choice for any up-to-date course in developmental linguistics.
David Pesetsky, Ferrari P. Ward Professor of Modern Languages and Linguistics, MIT