Noun phrases, big and small

This chapter is concerned with the size of noun phrases in languages with and, more importantly, without articles. It is argued that noun phrases in such languages may – but need not – contain the functional projection of DP. Moreover, it is shown that DPs and small nominals (i.e., noun phrases lacking the DP) not only have different internal structure, but also differ in their external distribution, their semantic interpretation, their ability to move, their need for case, and more. It is shown that the same cluster of properties, characteristic of Small Nominals, is attested in diverse, even typologically diverse, languages