Delivers a firm grounding in the tools of syntactic analysis using a Minimalist framework This textbook introduces the main aspects of Minimalist syntax through the use of data from a number of varieties of English. In doing so it equips you with a firm grounding in tools of syntactic analysis while demonstrating the potential for variationist linguistics and theoretical syntax to feed into each other. By working through the range of examples and exercises you will be able to see that all varieties of language are rule-based and can be observed and described systematically, regardless of how Standard or socially valued they are. Each chapter explores examples of puzzling syntactic phenomena in varieties of English. Through analysis of the given constructions, and comparison to similar structures, it will introduce you to the relevant concepts in Minimalist syntax. Key features: - Sections highlighting differences between the Minimalist Programme and previous syntactic frameworks - Each chapter works through examples of puzzling syntactic phenomena - Exercises focus on Standard and Non-Standard English - Further reading and a glossary of key terms to aid further study and consolidate learning - Over 300 examples and figures to clearly demonstrate key concepts and ideas - Sample answers to exercises can be found on the website: [insert link] Elspeth Edelstein is a lecturer in language and linguistics at the University of Aberdeen