Linearization

38 - Linearization

There Are No Strings

from Part VI - Toward the Interfaces

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 October 2026

William J. Idsardi and

Eric Raimy

Edited by

Kleanthes K. Grohmann and

Evelina Leivada

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Kleanthes K. Grohmann: Affiliation:
University of Cyprus
Evelina Leivada: Affiliation:
Arctic University of Norway

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Summary

This chapter pursues an interpretation of Chomsky (2021) where phonology and some phonetics are part of I-language. It presents an analysis of Hebrew verbs which addresses issues of linearization from a Strong Minimalist Theory (SMT) perspective. Analogs between how SMT applies to syntax vs. phonology are identified. One main result is that there is no linearization as commonly assumed within the language faculty nor is there likely a strict “beads on a string” linearization in the Sensory Motor module. The chapter builds off of proposals from Raimy (2000, 2003), Idsardi and Raimy (2013), and Papillon (2020), which provide the current best starting point from which to further develop a pursuit of SMT within phonological theory.

Keywords

phonology linearization Hebrew verbs Strong Minimalist Theory

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Type: Chapter
Information: The Cambridge Handbook of the Minimalist Program , pp. 739 - 777
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108864152 [Opens in a new window]
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2026

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