Which statement best describes the innate parameter in phrase structure?

Which statement best describes the innate parameter in phrase structure?

• A. All languages are head-first
• B. Noun phrases always have determiners first
• C. English is head-last; Korean and Japanese are head-first
• D. English is head-first; Korean and Japanese are head-last

Answer: (D)

Head-directionality in phrase structure—the position of the head relative to its complements. Some languages put the head before what it combines with (head-first), while others put the head after (head-last). This is treated as an innate parameter that languages differ on. English tends to be head-first. In a typical verb phrase, the verb comes before its object (eat an apple). In a prepositional phrase, the preposition comes before its object (on the table). These patterns show the head leading the phrase. Korean and Japanese tend to be head-last. The action or head often appears at the end of the clause, with its complements preceding it (the object before the verb). This V-final pattern reflects head-final structure. So the statement that English is head-first and Korean and Japanese are head-last captures this directional difference in phrase structure.

Head-directionality in phrase structure—the position of the head relative to its complements. Some languages put the head before what it combines with (head-first), while others put the head after (head-last). This is treated as an innate parameter that languages differ on.

English tends to be head-first. In a typical verb phrase, the verb comes before its object (eat an apple). In a prepositional phrase, the preposition comes before its object (on the table). These patterns show the head leading the phrase.

Korean and Japanese tend to be head-last. The action or head often appears at the end of the clause, with its complements preceding it (the object before the verb). This V-final pattern reflects head-final structure.

So the statement that English is head-first and Korean and Japanese are head-last captures this directional difference in phrase structure.