Reference Grammar Research Articles

A typology of the Arabic system of mood

Abstract This article is about the interpersonal side of the clause in Arabic. It more specifically studies all the different speech functions inherent in the exchange of meanings: offer, command (viz. proposals), statement, and question (viz. propositions). The main question that this article seeks to answer is how Arabic realizes these different speech functions through variations in mood choices. The purpose of the article is to fill a gap in the literature. In fact, there have not been many major attempts to describe the Arabic system of mood in the reference grammars of Arabic. Although this article defines the delimitation of the system of mood in Arabic from the perspective of systemic functional linguistics, it also draws from the work of earlier Arab grammarians which has been either ignored or misinterpreted for centuries. For the purpose of this study, dialogic texts from various sources have been analysed including scenes from movies, plays, novels, and The Noble Quran. The findings show that the system of mood in Arabic is different from its English counterpart and from that of other languages.

Structural and sociolectal limits of variability of que in Mexican Spanish noun clefts

This paper investigates the structural and sociolectal limits of the use of non-standard “plain” que instead of the standard relativizer DET+que in Mexican Spanish noun clefts. Although plain que in Spanish noun clefts is considered ungrammatical by reference grammars, we find it in data from Felipe Carrillo Puerto (Quintana Roo, Yucatan) and Mexico City (CDMX). Among the speakers from CDMX, only younger speakers use plain que in our data, suggesting that it might be a more recent innovation in this variety. Among Yucatecan speakers, we find that bilingual speakers (Spanish-Maya) tend to use more plain que than monolingual Spanish speakers, and only bilingual speakers show similar age effects to those found in CDMX, whereas older monolingual Yucatecan speakers use more plain que than younger YS monolinguals. Structurally, plain que is limited to canonical clefts, which we interpret as an indication that clefts with plain que constitute functionally reanalyzed headed relatives. Moreover, we find that those speakers that use plain que do so mostly when the antecedent is specific and carries a determiner. If the antecedent is either non-specific or does not carry a determiner, DET+que is generally preferred.

Is Alzheimer’s Disease a Cross-Linguistic Issue? Comparing Corpora from a Role and Reference Grammar Perspective

Taking Role and Reference Grammar (Van Valin y LaPolla, 1997; Van Valin, 2005) as theoretical framework, we aim to compare three corpora of patients with Alzheimer’s disease: two in Spanish — PerLA (Pérez Mantero, 2014) and Peraita & Grasso (2010) — and one in English — Pittsburgh (Becker et al., 1994). This grammar is part of the functionalist approaches to language and it provides a series of ordered steps that connect syntax and semantics, as well as incorporating discourse-pragmatics. Thus, we compare the results of the three corpora after applying this syntax-semantics interface to a representative sample with the aim of verifying how Alzheimer’s disease behaves in the two languages. Our results show that there are no significant differences in syntax and semantics in both languages, and that pragmatics plays a more important role than expected at first.

Language Impairment in English-Speaking Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Role and Reference Grammar Contribution

The linguistic aspects of Alzheimer’s disease have received much less attention from qualitative viewpoints than from quantitative research perspectives. For this reason, the present article proposes the application of the linking algorithm provided by Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) to a corpus from English-speaking patients with Alzheimer’s, namely the Pitt corpus. A sample of verb predicates from this corpus has been analyzed according to the steps provided by the grammar. Thus, the aims of this article are, on the one hand, to identify and describe the linguistic deficits found in the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease and, on the other, to show the feasibility of this grammar in the description and possible early diagnosis of this neuro-degenerative disease. The results manifest a greater proportion of simple sentences with respect to coordinate, cosubordinate and subordinate sentences, as well as compensation strategies and problems with lexical retrieval.

Review of A Reference Grammar of Old Nubian


 
 
 A Reference Grammar of Old Nubian. By Vincent W. J. van Gerven Oei. Orientalia Lovaniensia
 Analecta, vol. 299. Leuven: Peeters Publishers, 2021. Pp. xxxii + 449. €138.
 
 

Цифровая надежда ревитализации исчезающих языков Камчатки: мобильное приложение для изучения корякского языка «Koryak tuyu»

This article discusses indigenous language revitalization and the role of digital technologies in language preservation. The focus is on the Koryak language, one of the seven endangered indigenous languages in Kamchatka. A framework for the ethnolinguistic situation in Kamchatka is provided, followed by an overview of endeavors aimed at preserving and advancing indigenous languages in the area. Next, the application of digital technologies to Koryak language learning is introduced. To promote technology inclusion among remote communities, the research team at Vitus Bering Kamchatka State University, led by the author of this study, has developed a mobile application called “Koryak tuyu.” This app can be used as a supplementary tool for studying the Koryak language, both in home-based individual learning and classroom settings. There are four parts: alphabet, grammar reference, ten lessons, and basic vocabulary, providing a substantial volume of content in terms of textual and audio media. There is an option to click on any word or phrase and listen to the audio recording. The lessons are structured to enable individuals without prior knowledge of Koryak to acquire vocabulary and phrases. The repetition of focal words in the lessons serves as a method of rote memorization. Each Koryak word is accompanied by its translation into Russian, with each word written using a Koryak keyboard layout with a few specific letters. The utilization of this application is possible for users even in the absence of an Internet connection, an essential aspect for remote villages in Kamchatka with unstable Internet connectivity.

English adjectives of similarity: A corpus study of their determiner/modifier status

This paper investigates the determiner/modifier distinction issue. As reference grammars tend to define determiners and modifiers very vaguely especially in neighbouring cases there is a need for more formal rule together with obligatory semantic constraint. The left-hand periphery of English noun phrases is of strict order: determination zone precedes the modification zone (from left to right), so determiners go before the adjectival string. As the determination zone precedes the modification one it is assumed that only modifiers can be preceded by adjectives. The adjectives of similarity are tested in this way. The corpus-based analysis results in fixing possible adjectives accompanying the adjectives of similarity on their left. It is claimed that no adjective of similarity can be considered as a determiner.

Including the Sign Language Community in Language Research, Learning and Teaching: Video Reference Grammar of Slovenian Sign Language (SZJ)

Background: Deaf users of Slovenian Sign Language vary in competence between L1, delayed L1 and L2. They follow the grammatical patterns of their language but are unaware of them because the language is neither linguistically documented nor systematically used in the classroom. As a result, the available learning and teaching materials are inadequately prepared in many aspects.
 Purpose: The aim of this research was to create a reference grammar of SZJ by (i) using SZJ for metalinguistic descriptions and (ii) training Deaf signers as researchers and teachers. We observed their performance in order to answer the research question of whether it is possible to involve Deaf signers in the process of creating and disseminating a sign language reference grammar.
 Method: Training a group of deaf L1 signers to (i) start systematic research of their language within a selected formal approach, (ii) create didactic video materials for learning/teaching Slovenian Sign Language as L1 and L2, and (iii) use these materials in language courses for L1 and L2 deaf signers.
 Results: Eleven deaf L1 signers were trained as researchers in a 40-hour course. Five deaf and two hearing L1 signers were trained as language teachers in another 40-hour course and then presented the core concepts of Slovenian Sign Language grammar to 302 members of 12 local Slovenian deaf clubs in 24 editions of a 40-hour language course. For the presentations, they used didactic video materials (duration 5:46 hours). These materials were produced by the five L1 signers and later uploaded to two freely accessible online video platforms.
 Conclusion: The approach proved fruitful: signers were actively involved in the creation and dissemination of the first Slovenian Sign Language reference grammar. The available analytics show that the materials are continuously viewed by both deaf and hearing users.

On Elicited Data in Sign Language Syntax

We present a proof of concept that sign language elicited data are as reliable as experimentaldata. We use data reported in the recently published reference grammar of ItalianSign Language (Branchini and Mantovan 2020) to create a formal experiment contrastinggrammatical sentences with sentences that minimally violate the rule. On aforced-choice task, participants prefer sentences that follow the rule significantly moreoften than sentences that violate it. The experimental results obtained in this studyproves that elicited data are reliable.

Reflections on the study of language

Abstract This article reports an interview with Robert D. Van Valin, Jr., which was held on March 2, 2023, with follow-up e-mail exchanges. Robert Van Valin is the primary developer of Role and Reference Grammar (RRG), a syntactic theory whose principles and commitments intersect with those of Cognitive Linguistics (CL). The article discusses RRG vis-à-vis CL and other approaches to the study of language. It aims to raise awareness about the shared principles of RRG and CL, to enhance cross-fertilization between the two approaches and ultimately inspire new research directions in linguistic theory. The paper is organized into three main parts: (i) background information on the birth and development of RRG, (ii) general principles and commitments of RRG and CL, and (iii) specific issues in the study of language.

The semantics of clause linkage: analysis of the finite complex complementation types in the English complain verbs

This article engages with the semantics of complex finite syntactic linkages of the complain verbs in English, as in Levin (1993). Since these verbs display two main types of complex complementation patterns, this research explains how semantics motivates and predicts to a great extent the clause linkage process through the Interclausal Relations Hierarchy, the Interclausal Semantics Relation Hierarchy, and the Syntactic Interclausal Relations Hierarchy, within the Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) framework. RRG’s solid proposal is employed in this research for the systematization of the syntax-semantics interface of these verbs, drawing two main conclusions. Firstly, the results accommodate and respect the rationale of the Iconicity Principle governing the hierarchy: the closer the semantic bond (indirect discourse > direct discourse), the tighter the syntactic link (clausal subordination (daughter) > sentential subordination (daughter)). And secondly, I argue in favor that sentential subordination (daughter) is the kind of syntactic link prompted by the direct discourse semantic relation, as this has not been fully dealt with within this theory of grammar.

Central Kurdish Operators in Role and Reference Grammar

Central Kurdish Operators in Role and Reference Grammar

Natural language processing-driven framework for the early detection of language and cognitive decline

Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology has the potential to provide a non-invasive, cost-effective method using a timely intervention for detecting early-stage language and cognitive decline in individuals concerned about their memory. The proposed pre-screening language and cognition assessment model (PST-LCAM) is based on the functional linguistic model Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) to analyse and represent the structure and meaning of utterances, via a set of language production and cognition parameters. The model is trained on a DementiaBank dataset with markers of cognitive decline aligned to the global deterioration scale (GDS). A hybrid approach of qualitative linguistic analysis and assessment is applied, which includes the mapping of participants´ tasks of speech utterances and words to RRG phenomena. It uses a metric-based scoring with resulting quantitative scores and qualitative indicators as pre-screening results. This model is to be deployed in a user-centred conversational assessment platform.

The lexical constructional model meets syntax: guidelines of the formalized lexical-constructional model (FL_CxG )

This paper offers the basic guidelines of a formalized version of the Lexical Constructional Model (LCM; Ruiz de Mendoza & Mairal Usón, 2008, 2011; Ruiz de Mendoza & Galera, 2014), the Formalized Lexical-Constructional Grammar (FL_CxG), which will pave the way for future computational developments, such as parsers or lexical databases. The FL_CxG deploys (i) the typologically oriented syntactic apparatus of Role and Reference Grammar (Van Valin, 2005; Van Valin & LaPolla, 1997), (ii) the catalogue of constructional units arranged in a 4-layer typology, as proposed by the LCM, and (iii) some insights for semantic representations from the Generative Lexicon Theory (Pustejovsky, 1995; Pustejovsky & Batiukova, 2019), and Minimal English (Goddard, 2018). All the components of the FL_CxG (lexical units and construct(ion)s) are formally encoded as Typed Feature Structures in the format of Attribute Value Matrixes. These units are to be understood as constraints operating in the unification processes which underlie the generation/decoding of a given fragment of language.

Disjunctive Questions in Biblical Hebrew: A Syntactic, Semantic, and Pragmatic Analysis

A disjunctive question presents an alternative to a previously-expressed state of affairs. Biblical Hebrew has four constructions for forming disjunctive questions. After an initial hă-question, the second can be introduced with hă, ʾim, wəʾim, or ʾô. While Hebrew reference grammars simply acknowledge the variation, this paper systematically addresses these constructions and distinguishes them on syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic grounds. The key results are a finer distinction between conjunction and disjunction and a recognition of how ellipsis discriminates between polar and alternative questions.

Verbs as Central Elements in Role and Reference Grammar and Dependency Grammar and Valency Theories

Purpose: The study takes into consideration the role a verb plays in the English language, how it has been described by the traditional grammar approach, the deficiencies in their definitions, and a critical look at how verbs play the central roles in two grammatical theories: Role and Reference Grammar as well as Dependency Grammar and Valency.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the review approach to analyse texts based on examples. It relies on a thorough examination of existing literature on the topic. Content analysis was adopted to analyse the study.
 Findings: From the analysis used in the study, it was established that verbs were seen in both theories to be at the heart of meaning.
 Research Limitation: The study discusses the research limitations of both theories, including issues related to cross-linguistic differences and the difficulty of accounting for idiosyncratic uses of verbs.
 Practical Implication: The practical implications of these theories are explored, such as their usefulness in language teaching and the development of natural language processing systems.
 Social Implication: The social implications of these theories are also considered, including the potential for these theories to contribute to a better understanding of language diversity and promote linguistic equality.
 Originality/Value: The study contributes to a deeper understanding of these theoretical frameworks and their potential to enhance language research, teaching, and societal understanding.

Some Aspects of Ergativity in English and Arabic

The present study is a contrastive analysis of the notion of Ergativity in English1 and Arabic2. It attempts to discuss this phenomenon to find out the points of similarity and difference between the two languages in this particular linguistic area. It offers an explanation and a detailed description of the term and illustrates the various types and forms of verbs that can be handled under the headings ergative verbs and non-ergative verbs showing how the former differ from the latter. Additionally, it investigates the verbs which are used both transitively and intransitively in the two languages. All these types of verbs will be identified, classified, and analyzed according to the Quirk grammar - the approach to grammatical description pioneered by Randolph Quirk and his associates, and published in a series of reference grammars during the 1970s and 1980s, notably A Grammar of Contemporary English (1972) and its successor A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language in1985. Reference, will, however, be made, wherever necessary, to the principles, techniques and terminology of other models of grammar. The method is, thus, more or less, eclectic. As far as ergativity in Arabic is concerned, the study adopts the model of grammatical description and classification pioneered by traditional Arab grammarians such as Siibawayhi, Ibn ‘Aqiil, and Mubarrid, and by modern Arab grammarians like Ghalaayiinii, ‘Udhaymah, and ‘Abbaas Hasan, among others. The conclusion part offers the main findings of the study.

Ra-centric constructions at Persian left-periphery: an RRG account

AbstractRa-marking in Persian has been a hotly debated topic over five decades. The postposition is primarily a definite marker of accusative objects in Standard Persian. However, the possibility for it to accompany indefinite accusative objects has paved the way for the emergence of further accounts such asrabeing a marker of specificity, topicality, or identifiability. In colloquial Persian, the postposition also appears in displacement constructions where it marks clause-external possessors or obliques serving as so-called topics. In this paper, we argue thatra-marking is not unique to topical DOs and displaced NPs. Ara-marked NP also partakes in the constitution of focus structure while the postposition is taken to be an identifiability marker. We situate our account within a Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) framework to delineate thatra-marking at the Persian left-periphery is an example par excellence of the (mis)match between identifiability as a discourse-based concept and the pragmatic functions that thera-marked displaced NPs serve in information structure. It becomes clear that a displaced NP legitimately plays an array of information-structural roles varying from a primary and secondary topic to a contrastive focus.

Diachrony and the Meaning of the Preposition בֵּין in Ancient Hebrew

Abstract: In this study I discuss the meaning of the preposition בֵּין from a diachronic perspective. While in Classical Biblical Hebrew (CBH) the preposition always means 'between' (with a single possible exception), from the time of the exile onwards it also takes on the meaning of 'among', probably under the influence of Aramaic and because of the disappearance of the composite preposition בְּקֶרֶב, which led to the reconfiguration of the use of prepositions such as בֵּין and בְּתוֹךְ. Both meanings ‘between’ and ‘among’ for the preposition בֵּין are known and reported in various lexica and reference grammars, yet they have never been considered and explained from a diachronic standpoint.

Exploring the imperative of linguistic plurality for sustainable development in nigeria

Linguistic plurality is a situation in which a speech community speaks more than one language. It is a complex sociolinguistic phenomenon that helps explain the complexity of human nature. Human beings cannot exist in isolation and are therefore inclined towards interaction and transaction. The need and desire to interact leads to language contact, where two or more languages co-exist and are constantly used by people who share definitive interests. Linguistic homogeneity is illusory, since there is hardly any linguistic community that is absolutely monolingual. Despite the complexity of linguistic diversity, the world has recorded tremendous developments in the arts, sciences, and technology. This highlights the strength that lies in diversity. The utilitarian nature of multilingualism can be explored for the growth and development of human society, as language is a key factor in development. Although multilingualism might pose a threat to nationalism, it is apparently the basis of nationhood in Nigeria, having existed even before colonization. The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of linguistic plurality for sustainable development. This study uses a descriptive and qualitative methodology, heavily relying on the nativist theory and the framework of Role and Reference Grammar (RRG) as its major underpinnings. Drawing from these frameworks, the paper observes that language acquisition occurs naturally with the presence of the Language Acquisition Device (LAD), and consequently, languages are used to perform functional roles. The scope of this work is limited to multilingualism and sustainable development in Africa, with particular emphasis on Nigeria.