Trace Theory and Coping Theory in the Movement

Abstract

The current contribution discusses some important
subjects, one of which is the syntactical process of
movement proposed by Chomsky. Chomsky has
emphasized the importance of this operation from
the very beginning, attributing such significance to it
that he has made it an independent theory. This
theory forms the basis for alpha movement,
particularly evident in its prominence within
Government and Binding (GB) and the Minimalist
Program (MP) theories. When sentence elements undergo movement, changes occur in the sentence
structure, but these changes must not alter the
functional meaning (i.e., the semantic role) of the
sentence. In other words, this movement is not
arbitrary or driven by the speaker’s preferences but
.is instead constrained
This movement gives rise to two critical theories:
Trace Theory and Copy Theory. The emergence of
these theories is directly linked to the movement
operation. When discussing Government and
Binding Theory, a connection can be observed with
the Minimalist Program, particularly in traces and
copies. These two concepts are interrelated: a trace
occurs when elements move and are displaced,
leaving a mark in their original position. The
Minimalist Program, on the other hand, posits that a
moved element leaves behind a copy related to the
original. This process is mostly applied to moved
elements in sentences. In addition, Trace Theory
emerged and later evolved into Copy Theory within
the Minimalist Program. The latter is particularly

significant as a novel theory that has driven
.advancements in the Minimalist framework
Nonetheless, the present study is written in simple,
accessible language to ensure readers can easily
grasp the content. Its ultimate goal is to encourage
researchers to pursue originality in their work,
focusing on novel topics and introducing innovation
.rather than replicating or imitating existing studies