This paper presents a theory of control (predication), in terms of thematic relations, which makes no use of the element PRO in the syntax. Important consequences of the theory are that the θ-Criterion must be relativized to particular local domains, and the Projection Principle cannot be maintained. A number of syntactic arguments against PRO are summarized, and the arguments of Koster & May 1982 in favor of PRO are addressed. It is concluded that, given a thematic relation-based account of predication, the Projection Principle in its current form is not a useful postulate in the theory of grammar.

Among the important issues dealt with in studies of languages in contact have been the universality of the linguistic processes characteristic of these situations, and the role that a primary language may play in the shaping of the secondary language—as against the possibility of autonomous developments constrained by the linguistic system of the latter. This paper addresses these issues through an examination of the extension of estar in the speech of 27 bilinguals who represent different generations and degrees of Spanish language loss. It focuses mainly on three questions: (a) the path followed by the innovation; (b) the possible changes in the meaning of the form; and (c) the effect of bilingualism on the actuation of the change. The major results of the study are that language contact tends to accelerate internally motivated changes in the system of the less-used language; that direct influence from English is difficult to posit; and that syntactic/semantic changes proceed step by step, in a manner reminiscent of the lexical diffusion of phonological change.

The role of functional processes in language is examined in the context of an empirical study of /s/ deletion in Puerto Rican Spanish. Deletion of /s/ from 2sg. verb forms is shown to result in exceptionally high use of subject pronouns, especially with those verb forms rendered ambiguous by /s/ deletion. These findings are shown to fit in with a general tendency in Puerto Rican Spanish to use pronouns functionally as well as stylistically.

Comparatives of inequality in Italian are introduced by di or che, have a degree or an absolute negative interpretation, and have a modifying or a balancing function. Comparative di phrases are PP's generated as daughters of VP's or of AP's with a degree interpretation; like other PP's, they can modify or balance two items. Comparative che is a coördinator. When it introduces daughters of VP's or AP's, it has a degree interpretation; when it introduces a sister to S, it has an absolute negative interpretation. Because of the coördinating nature of che, it has only a balancing function.