A Minimalist Approach to the Diachronic Study of English Modals

A Minimalist Approach to the Diachronic Study of English Modals

  This paper argues that the change from Old English to Modern English results from parameter-resetting as language acquisition (growth) results from parameter-setting. Through the diachronic study of English modals, the paper leads to the conclusion that Modern English modals are a result of parameter-resetting from the Old English premodals. This parameter-resetting is achieved through markedness, involving gradual changes of language. Language change, as suggested by Kroch (1989) and other scholars, shows an S-shaped curve in grammar change, not an abrupt change implied by parameter-resetting. This dilemma is solved by the introduction of a notion of markedness, mediated by phonologica,l, morphological, or syntactic change.