Abstract
This paper deals with the questions of symmetry in sentence clauses, and of the psychological significance of left-branching. Texts based on spontaneous and prepared speech, drawn from populations ranging from political speakers to schizophrenic patients were analysed. The results showed that symmetry is not a characteristic of clauses and longer clauses consisting of five or more words to the left or right of the verb, or both, showed a significant tendency towards asymmetry. Measures of left-branching (LB) were thus shown to be independent of or inversely related to measures of right branching (RB). The comparative study of LB as well as RB in respect of individual consistency and psychological significance showed LB to be a discriminative and individually consistent measure and consequently a psychological indicator while RB did not qualify as such.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
