A defence of the parametric approach to linguistic variation, set within the framework of the Minimalist Program.

Theresa Biberauer is Senior Research Associate in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Cambridge.

Introduction: parameters in minimalist theory; 1. A deletion analysis of null subjects; 2. Null subject parameters; 3. Control into finite clauses in partial null-subject languages; 4. Semi null-subject languages, expletives and expletive pro reconsidered; 5. The null generic pronoun in Finnish: a case of incorporation in T; 6. 'Free' inversion in romance and the null subject parameter; 7. Subjects, tense and verb-movement; 8. Varieties of French and the null subject parameter.