Projection and Minimalistic Syntax in Interaction

Projections of future linguistic events in time are a pervasive task in human interaction. Projection is always based on sequential knowledge (i.e., on how the elements of a superordinated category are serialized in online speech production). This knowledge can relate to the sequencing of actions, as extensively shown in conversation analysis. However, it can also be based on grammatical knowledge. Grammar is a conventionalized set of formal ways of making projections possible. This article explores how minimalistic syntax can become and still do its job as a projecting device. Four typically oral syntactic constructions of German are considered, and their tendencies toward asyndesis (when compared to their more canonical, written counterparts) are analyzed in terms of an online approach to spoken language.