The Multiplanar Nature of Frequency

Abstract

AbstractAs reflected by the distinction between types and tokens, frequency is standardly conceived of in a two-dimensional fashion. This conception draws on the linguistic hierarchy in that token frequency is calculated at a higher structural level than type frequency. The fact that the linguistic hierarchy consists of more than two levels raises the possibility of investigating frequency from a multiplanar angle. This approach is illustrated with a three-level analysis of derivational affixes in English, German, and Dutch. The lowest level represents the number of affix types, the intermediate level the number of words of which these affixes are a part, and the highest level the textual frequency of these affixed words. The three languages exhibit significant variation. While English shows a consistent increase, German shows a consistent decrease in the suffix-to-prefix ratios from the lower to the higher levels. Dutch is inconsistent in displaying an increase from the lowest to the intermediate level but a decrease from the intermediate to the highest level. A good part of the explanation for this difference lies in the disparate role of prefixing in the three languages. The multiplanar approach provides novel perspectives on a number of issues such as the locus of linguistic change. Preliminary evidence suggests that the loss of a lower-level unit may be accompanied by “collateral damage” at the higher level.