Abstract

In this paper, we offer a unified treatment of free, semi-fixed and fixed expressions by positing unitized representations for variable-sized lexical units. We distinguish between rule-driven versus frequency-driven lexical structure and default and open processing. In frequency-driven lexical structure the retrieval of entrenched features is decisive, prompted by encoded, highly context-bound parameters. This approach allows us to see formulaic expressions as entrenched lexical units, stored in the lexicon as triples of phonological, syntactic and conceptual structures often encoding additional pragmatic and contextual information. The paper reports on semantic and pragmatic meanings in collocations, constructions, cliches, formulaic expressions, idioms, pragmatemes, figures and other metaphorical expressions. We show cross-correlation between compositionality, productivity and the types of processing in a parametrization scheme, illustrated by cross-linguistic examples of iterative structures.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.