Symmetry of labeling
Hiroki Narita, Naoki Fukui · 2021
This chapter argues that Chomsky’s theory of Labeling Algorithm is, though attractive, misguided in certain respects and hence to be modified in favor of a more principled theory of SEM-/PHON-mappings based on the Symmetry Principle. It reviews the system of Chomsky’s Labeling Algorithm (CLA) proposed by Chomsky and its ramifications. Chomsky argues that certain aspects of projection can be extracted from traditional stipulations, providing a purportedly minimal characterization of labeling. In addition to the conceptual advantage, CLA is designed to provide several constraints on otherwise unbounded applications of Merge. The chapter discusses how the theory of Symmetrizing Syntax may fare better in dealing with empirical problems. It point outs one more aspect of CLA that is undesirable in our pursuit of Symmetrizing Syntax.