This is a generative description of the structure of the Rukai language, adopting essentially Chomsky and Halle’s system in the treatment of phonology and Starosta/Taylor’s “lexicase” approach to syntax. This study is focused on syntax.

Rukai is an Austronesian language spoken in Formosa. The dialect under study is Taromak, with the analysis based mainly on the data collected in the village in 19 weeks’ field work by the author.