syntax and therefore leads to better explanatory power of the theory.In order to illustrate the better explanatory power of X-bar syntax, it is useful to apply the principles to other languages. The theory takes into account SOV languages, such as English, as well as to SVO languages, such as Gujarati: Mane phool khapechhe.I flower want.The semicolon that separates the constituents in the rule, for example: X’ X;YP, shows that the linear order is not fixed. This can also be illustrated in the following example from Lingala:Muntu oyo alati bilamba ya rouge.Person this wears clothes red(This person is wearing red clothes).In conclusion, X’ phrase structure grammar makes a significant contribution to descriptive and explanatory adequacy of Linguistic theory in a number of ways. It makes a contribution to descriptive adequacy in three ways. Firstly, it simplifies grammar by adopting binary branching, which in turn makes the learning of languages easier for children. Secondly, it introduces a third intermediate phrasal category that allows us to distinguish between complements and adjuncts. Thirdly, it introduces prime or bar notation, which allows us to capture the distinction between categories formally, i.e. using N”, N’, and N. X-bar theory adds to explanatory adequacy because it allows us to state general principles that apply across categories, and are therefore category neutral. These principles are universals and apply across languages. In order to account for differences in languages, the theory introduces two parameters. Due to the fact that this theory is simple and universal, it helps us to explain the problem of learnablility, therefore contributing to greater explanatory adequacy (Class notes)....
