Andrew Carnie

About Andrew Carnie

I am a Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Linguistics and have appointments in the Cognitive Science Program, the Graduate Interdisciplinary Program in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching, Applied Intercultural Arts, and the Joint Program in Linguistics and Anthropology. I am also Dean Emeritus of the Graduate College.  

My research revolves around various topics within the Minimalist Principles and Parameters approach to syntactic theory including phrase structure, copular constructions, case theory, word order (especially verb initial languages). The past 10 years I have been leading a team investigating the syntax, phonology and phonetics of Modern Scottish Gaelic. I am the author of numerous articles and 13 books. In my off hours, I'm usually off doing international folk dancing or square dancing. 

Research Interests

Chomskyan syntax, semantics, phrase structure, constituent structure, copular constructions, ergativity, argument hierarchies, VSO order, prediction theory, experimental phonology and phonetics, and the Celtic languages (Irish and Scottish Gaelic in particular).