Exaptation from the perspective of construction morphology
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Muriel Norde
Abstract
In this paper, we explore how the process of exaptation can be modelled within a constructional framework of morphology. Assuming that constructions (of varying levels of schematicity and complexity) are organized in constructional networks, we consider issues related to ‘obsolescence’ and ‘novelty’ using a model of morphology that draws on the work of Booij (2010). We present various case studies of linguistic changes in a number of Germanic languages (in both their standard and non-standard varieties), exploring in each case the extent to which the changes constitute cases of exaptation. For each case study, we also consider how these changes can be understood within a constructional approach to language. Our focus is on constructional morphology, though some changes involve neoanalyses of larger (syntactic) structures. The discussion also makes reference to issues in diachronic construction grammar, particularly the notion of constructional change as outlined by Traugott & Trousdale (2013).
Abstract
In this paper, we explore how the process of exaptation can be modelled within a constructional framework of morphology. Assuming that constructions (of varying levels of schematicity and complexity) are organized in constructional networks, we consider issues related to ‘obsolescence’ and ‘novelty’ using a model of morphology that draws on the work of Booij (2010). We present various case studies of linguistic changes in a number of Germanic languages (in both their standard and non-standard varieties), exploring in each case the extent to which the changes constitute cases of exaptation. For each case study, we also consider how these changes can be understood within a constructional approach to language. Our focus is on constructional morphology, though some changes involve neoanalyses of larger (syntactic) structures. The discussion also makes reference to issues in diachronic construction grammar, particularly the notion of constructional change as outlined by Traugott & Trousdale (2013).
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Exaptation 1
- Being exacting about exapting 37
- Co-opting exaptation in a theory of language change 57
- Exaptation in Japanese and beyond 93
- Functional changes and (meta-)linguistic evolution 121
- Exaptation from the perspective of construction morphology 163
- Exaptation and degrammaticalization within an acquisition-based model of abductive reanalysis 197
- Allogenous exaptation 227
- How functionless is junk and how useful is exaptation? 261
- The history of nominative -er in Danish and Swedish 287
- Is the development of linking elements in German a case of exaptation? 317
- Exploring and recycling 341
- Exaptation and adaptation 377
- Language index 403
- Subject index 407
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Exaptation 1
- Being exacting about exapting 37
- Co-opting exaptation in a theory of language change 57
- Exaptation in Japanese and beyond 93
- Functional changes and (meta-)linguistic evolution 121
- Exaptation from the perspective of construction morphology 163
- Exaptation and degrammaticalization within an acquisition-based model of abductive reanalysis 197
- Allogenous exaptation 227
- How functionless is junk and how useful is exaptation? 261
- The history of nominative -er in Danish and Swedish 287
- Is the development of linking elements in German a case of exaptation? 317
- Exploring and recycling 341
- Exaptation and adaptation 377
- Language index 403
- Subject index 407
