Structure in Language

A Dynamic Perspective

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Structure in Language by Thomas Berg, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Thomas Berg ISBN: 9781135852610
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 13, 2011
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Thomas Berg
ISBN: 9781135852610
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 13, 2011
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

This book examines one of the allegedly unique features of human language: structure sensitivity. Its point of departure is the distinction between content and structural units, which are defined in psycholinguistic terms. The focus of the book is on structural representations, in particular their hierarchicalness and their branching direction. Structural representations reach variable levels of activation and are therefore gradient in nature. Their variable strength is claimed to account for numerous effects including differences between individual analytical levels, differences between languages as well as pathways of language acquisition and breakdown. English is found to be consistent in its branching direction and to have evolved its branching direction in line with the cross-level harmony constraint. Structure sensitivity is argued to be highly variable both within and across languages and consequently an unlikely candidate for a defining property of human language.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book examines one of the allegedly unique features of human language: structure sensitivity. Its point of departure is the distinction between content and structural units, which are defined in psycholinguistic terms. The focus of the book is on structural representations, in particular their hierarchicalness and their branching direction. Structural representations reach variable levels of activation and are therefore gradient in nature. Their variable strength is claimed to account for numerous effects including differences between individual analytical levels, differences between languages as well as pathways of language acquisition and breakdown. English is found to be consistent in its branching direction and to have evolved its branching direction in line with the cross-level harmony constraint. Structure sensitivity is argued to be highly variable both within and across languages and consequently an unlikely candidate for a defining property of human language.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Leonardo da Vinci by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Offsite Architecture by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Brand New Justice by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book John F. Kennedy by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Employment, the Small Firm and the Labour Market by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Sonic Art by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book The Paralympic Games Explained by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Religious Motivation and the Origins of Buddhism by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Industrialization in Developing and Peripheral Regions by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Statistics for the Behavioural Sciences by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Writing History 7-11 by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book The Name and Nature of Tragicomedy by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Global Impact of the Portuguese Language by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Rethinking Foreign Policy Analysis by Thomas Berg
Cover of the book Studies in Historical Improvisation by Thomas Berg
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy