Tag: Syntax
The Indispensable Architecture: Syntax in Language
Abstract: Syntax, as the set of rules governing the arrangement of words and phrases to form grammatically correct and meaningful sentences, is a fundamental pillar of human language. It transcends mere word order, dictating the hierarchical relationships between linguistic units and enabling the infinite generativity of language. This paper explores the critical role of syntax…
Types of Causatives: Lexical and Periphrastic Constructions
Abstract: Causativity, the linguistic expression of an agent bringing about a change of state or event, is a fundamental semantic concept encoded in diverse ways across languages. This paper explores two primary types of causative constructions: lexical and periphrastic. Lexical causatives involve a single verb that inherently encodes both the causing event and the caused…
Language Structure: A Cognitive Framework for Syntax and Semantics
Abstract: Understanding how humans produce and comprehend language necessitates a cognitive framework that integrates syntax and semantics. This paper proposes such a framework, drawing on insights from cognitive psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience. It argues that language architecture is not a modular system of isolated components, but rather a dynamic and interactive network of cognitive processes, where…
