Fixed vs. combinatorial constructions: a biolinguistic perspective on combinatorial schemas and the lexicon

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Friedemann Pulvermüller
• Subject Area: General and Comparative Linguistics, Experimental Linguistics, Typology, Non-European Languages
• Term: from 2014 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 253967675

A fundamental distinction in linguistic theory is made between stored lexical entries and rules or schemes that flexibly combine these elements. Recent proposals extend the range of lexical entries to the level above the word, also allowing constructions of several words to become unitary constructions (UCs) in the lexicon. Correspondingly, flexible combinatorial schemes (CSs) also operate at the level below the word; morphological rules similar to the rules of syntax govern the composition of morphemes into complex words. Whether a given complex linguistic form is seen as a stored element or as a composed, assembled one is typically decided on the basis of semantic and combinatorial criteria. Recent research has indicated that biolinguistic criteria can speak to this issue, possibly leading to a clarification of the lexical / combinatorial status of an expression based on neurophysiological data recorded directly from the human brain. Here we use neurophysiology to track the brain basis of lexical storage vs. flexible combination. Building upon pre-existing evidence demonstrating distinct brain signatures of UC and CS processing, we will further investigate complex forms, whose status as either stored or combinatorially-assembled is still under debate. If they elicit brain signatures of either lexical storage (UCs) or rather of combinatorial assemblage (CSs), this evidence may fruitfully contribute to the discussion of their linguistic status. We focus here on mini-constructions of variable degree of flexibility and semantic opacity, especially particle verbs and derivationally complex words. Results will be applied to develop further current ideas about linguistic representation with reference to their neuromechanistic basis.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants