On cognition and communication in usage-based models of language change
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Lars Erik Zeige
Abstract
This article discusses eight theoretical aspects of usage-based models on language and language change from the perspectives of Cognitive Linguistics and a sociological model of communication: the relationship between usage events and grammatical structure, the model of communication, the primacy of meaning, the status of the linguistic sign, procedural anchoring and the role of frequency, the modelling of dynamic-stable processes, innovation, and diffusion. Its aim is to assess the theoretical validity of a model of language use that is based on communication in contrast to the established cognitive focus. It also identifies and discusses the explanatory potential of such a concept, namely a co-ordinated relationship between cognitive and communicative processing of language structure.
Abstract
This article discusses eight theoretical aspects of usage-based models on language and language change from the perspectives of Cognitive Linguistics and a sociological model of communication: the relationship between usage events and grammatical structure, the model of communication, the primacy of meaning, the status of the linguistic sign, procedural anchoring and the role of frequency, the modelling of dynamic-stable processes, innovation, and diffusion. Its aim is to assess the theoretical validity of a model of language use that is based on communication in contrast to the established cognitive focus. It also identifies and discusses the explanatory potential of such a concept, namely a co-ordinated relationship between cognitive and communicative processing of language structure.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction. The role of change in usage-based conceptions of language 1
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Part 1. Challenging mainstream models of language change
- Does innovation need reanalysis? 23
- On cognition and communication in usage-based models of language change 49
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Part 2. The role of usage in semantic change
- From inferential to mirative 83
- The motivation for using English suspended dangling participles 117
- The nature of speaker creativity in linguistic innovation 147
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Part 3. The role of usage and structure in language change
- Reanalysis and gramma(ticaliza)tion of constructions 169
- Constructional change, paradigmatic structure and the orientation of usage processes 203
- Filling empty distinctions of expression with content 243
- Author index 271
- Subject index 273
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction. The role of change in usage-based conceptions of language 1
-
Part 1. Challenging mainstream models of language change
- Does innovation need reanalysis? 23
- On cognition and communication in usage-based models of language change 49
-
Part 2. The role of usage in semantic change
- From inferential to mirative 83
- The motivation for using English suspended dangling participles 117
- The nature of speaker creativity in linguistic innovation 147
-
Part 3. The role of usage and structure in language change
- Reanalysis and gramma(ticaliza)tion of constructions 169
- Constructional change, paradigmatic structure and the orientation of usage processes 203
- Filling empty distinctions of expression with content 243
- Author index 271
- Subject index 273
