The Competition of Word-Formation Processes in the Derivational Paradigm of Verbs: Diasynchronic Evidence for the Profile and Resolution of Competition in English

This book explores the coexistence of two forms with the same base and meaning but derived through different patterns in verb formation. It combines lexicographic and corpus resources and derivational paradigms to better understand competition and its diverse profile.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

The study of competition in verb formation has primarily centered on identifying the constraints that govern the domains of application of competing patterns. However, limited research has been directed towards examining the coexistence of two forms with the same base and meaning but derived through distinct patterns.

This book seeks to provide a comprehensive account of the resolution of competition in verb formation by integrating lexicographic and corpus resources, as well as the insights offered by derivational paradigms. The findings derived from this endeavor are twofold.

Methodologically, the combination of diverse resources enables a more thorough evaluation of competition. Regarding the profile of competition, the results reveal its multifaceted nature, as evidenced by the diverse range of patterns involved, the specific meanings conveyed, and the outcomes of competition.

In the realm of verb formation, competition plays a pivotal role in shaping the evolution and diversity of linguistic forms. It arises when two or more patterns compete for dominance within a particular language or dialect. These patterns may differ in their morphology, syntax, or semantics, leading to variations in the forms that emerge.

One of the primary objectives of the study of competition in verb formation is to identify the factors that determine the dominance of one pattern over another. These factors can include the frequency of occurrence of the patterns, their historical development, their semantic properties, and their interaction with other linguistic elements. By understanding these factors, scholars can gain insights into the mechanisms that drive language change and the evolution of linguistic forms.

Competition in verb formation can manifest in various ways. One common scenario is when two or more patterns with similar meanings coexist within a language. In such cases, the patterns may compete for usage frequency, leading to changes in the distribution of the forms. For example, a verb with a specific meaning may be more commonly used in one dialect or region than in another, resulting in a shift in the preferred form.

Another form of competition is when two or more patterns with distinct meanings coexist within a language. In such cases, the patterns may compete for recognition and usage, leading to the emergence of new forms or the decline of existing forms. For instance, a new verb with a novel meaning may emerge to replace an existing verb with a similar but less specific meaning, or a verb with a negative connotation may replace a verb with a positive connotation.

Competition in verb formation can also occur at the syntactic level. For example, two or more patterns may compete for the position of the subject or object in a sentence. In such cases, the patterns may differ in their syntactic properties, such as the number of arguments they accept or the morphology of the arguments. As a result, the preferred pattern may vary depending on the context and the preferences of the speaker or writer.

Furthermore, competition in verb formation can extend to the semantic level. Two or more patterns may compete for the same meaning, leading to semantic shifts or the emergence of new meanings. For instance, a verb with a specific meaning may acquire a new meaning through semantic extension, or a verb with a broad meaning may narrow down to a more specific meaning through semantic specialization.

The study of competition in verb formation has significant implications for language acquisition, language processing, and language evolution. By understanding the mechanisms that drive competition, scholars can better predict and explain language change over time. Additionally, the study of competition can provide insights into the cognitive processes involved in language production and comprehension, as well as the ways in which language users navigate and interpret linguistic information.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of computational methods to the study of competition in verb formation. These methods involve the use of statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and natural language processing techniques to analyze large corpora of text and identify patterns of competition. By leveraging these computational tools, scholars can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of competition in verb formation and develop new insights into the processes that govern language change.

In conclusion, the study of competition in verb formation has been a rich area of research that has contributed to our understanding of language evolution and language change. While the focus has primarily been on identifying the restrictions governing the domains of application of competing patterns, there is a growing recognition of the importance of examining the coexistence of two forms with the same base and meaning but derived through different patterns. This book aims to provide a comprehensive account of the resolution of competition in verb formation by integrating lexicographic and corpus resources, as well as the insights offered by derivational paradigms. The findings derived from this endeavor reveal the diverse nature of competition in verb formation, as illustrated by the variety of patterns involved, the specific meanings expressed, and the outcomes of competition. By understanding the mechanisms that drive competition, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the processes that shape language and contribute to the development of new linguistic theories and methodologies.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631866108
Edition number: New ed