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Naturalness and markedness

Abstract

The following comparison of Naturalness theory and Markedness theory contrasts naturalness scales and markedness relations and the distinct notions of value in the two theories in order to focus on recent advances in the identification of rules of naturalness syntax and markedness syntax. It is shown that whereas naturalness theory offers little basis for accounts of variation and change, key notions in markedness theory play a central role both in accounts of synchronic variation and in explanations of the initiation and actualization of change. In a concluding comparison of the two theories it is argued that Markedness theory in essential respects subsumes Naturalness theory. This explains why many linguists find the two theories kindred, and it suggests that the future will see their unification.

Abstract

The following comparison of Naturalness theory and Markedness theory contrasts naturalness scales and markedness relations and the distinct notions of value in the two theories in order to focus on recent advances in the identification of rules of naturalness syntax and markedness syntax. It is shown that whereas naturalness theory offers little basis for accounts of variation and change, key notions in markedness theory play a central role both in accounts of synchronic variation and in explanations of the initiation and actualization of change. In a concluding comparison of the two theories it is argued that Markedness theory in essential respects subsumes Naturalness theory. This explains why many linguists find the two theories kindred, and it suggests that the future will see their unification.

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Contributors vii
  4. Editors ix
  5. Introduction: Naturalness and iconicity in language 1
  6. Philosophical naturalism and linguistic epistemology 25
  7. Prolegomena to a general theory of iconicity considerations on language, gesture, and pictures 47
  8. Semiotic foundations of natural linguistics and diagrammatic iconicity 73
  9. Naturalness and markedness 101
  10. Natural and unnatural sound patterns: A pocket field guide 121
  11. The iconic function of full inversion in English 149
  12. What is iconic about polysemy? A contribution to research on diagrammatic Transparency 167
  13. Iconicity in sign languages 189
  14. Arbitrary structure, cognitive grammar, and the partes orationis. A study in Polish paradigms 215
  15. Name index 241
  16. Subject index 245
Naturalness and Iconicity in Language
This chapter is in the book Naturalness and Iconicity in Language
https://doi.org/10.1075/ill.7.07and

Chapters in this book

  1. Prelim pages i
  2. Table of contents v
  3. Contributors vii
  4. Editors ix
  5. Introduction: Naturalness and iconicity in language 1
  6. Philosophical naturalism and linguistic epistemology 25
  7. Prolegomena to a general theory of iconicity considerations on language, gesture, and pictures 47
  8. Semiotic foundations of natural linguistics and diagrammatic iconicity 73
  9. Naturalness and markedness 101
  10. Natural and unnatural sound patterns: A pocket field guide 121
  11. The iconic function of full inversion in English 149
  12. What is iconic about polysemy? A contribution to research on diagrammatic Transparency 167
  13. Iconicity in sign languages 189
  14. Arbitrary structure, cognitive grammar, and the partes orationis. A study in Polish paradigms 215
  15. Name index 241
  16. Subject index 245
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