The following essay wants to draw attention to the relation between motivation and ar-bitrariness within complex linguistic signs. Modern linguistics tries to establish motivation within the language system and by this often seems to negotiate arbitrariness. Bolinger claimed in 1980: “Arbitrary and conventional is a fitting description of distinctive sounds, less so of words, even less of sentences, and beyond that scarcely fits at all“ (Fischer & Nänny, 1999, p. xxi). Dirven and Verspoor proclaim that “most of the complex forms of lan-guage…are…not arbitrary, but transparent or motivated“ (Dirven & Verspoor, p. 21).
Motivation is used to construct convincing explanations for sometimes mystified phe-nomena in a language. Motivated by C.S. Peirce’s sign system, linguistic signs are recently moved from a box signed ‘symbol’ into a box signed ‘icon’. Language by this is meant to be a more or less predictable act, which is based on translucent regularities and ordering princi-ples. Structural similarities are the basis of motivation, which examines and proclaims ordeing principles in all spheres of the language: phonology, morphology, lexicon and semantics Motivation even obstructs the syntax of a language.
Three main ideas underlie the principle of motivation: (i) sequential ordering, (ii) quan-tity and (iii) proximity. Simplified, the ideas can be summarized as follows: (i) arrangement of linguistic elements according to temporal events, like he opened the door and came in or veni, vidi, vici; (ii) the amount of meaning is reflected in the amount of linguistic form , like I go – I went – I had gone or a car – a green car – a green convertible; (iii) conceptual distance is reflected in formal distance, like I made her leave – I wanted her to leave – I wished she would leave.
Essential to all three principles of iconicity is the kind of motivation they supply. What can be identified by sequential ordering, quantity and proximity is the formal and conceptual structure of a linguistic sign. Metaphorically speaking, motivation provides the bones (formal structure) and the muscles (conceptual structure) to complex linguistic sign. What motiva-tion can neither answer nor negotiate is the question of element’s arbitrariness, and why a certain concept is conventionally linked to a representing sound pattern. Moreover, it is the arbitrary character of simplex forms, which enables the understanding of complex signs.
The aim of this paper is to raise an awareness for the inseparable connection of arbi-trariness and motivation in the analysis of complex signs. This aim will be achieved in three steps. First, the distinction between simplex and complex sign is focused, followed by a short introduction of the linguistic sign and a simplified understanding of language. Beyond, two important possibilities of analyzing linguistic signs and language are proposed: a sign inter-nal and a sign related analysis. In a second step, arbitrariness and motivation are correlated to the two processes of analyzing a language. In a last step, the thesis will be exemplified.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Language and the Linguistic Sign
- 2.1 Simplex and Complex
- 2.2 The Linguistic Sign
- 2.3 Language
- 2.4 Sign Internal and Sign Related Analysis
- 3 Arbitrariness and Motivation
- 3.1 Sign Internal Analysis and Arbitrariness
- 3.1.1 How to Define Arbitrariness
- 3.1.2 Sign Internal: Arbitrariness and Convention
- 3.2 Sign Related Analysis and Motivation
- 3.2.1 How to Define Motivation
- 3.2.2 Sign Related: Motivation
- 3.3 Sign Internal and Sign Related Analysis of a Complex Sign
- 3.4 First Conclusions
- 4 Exemplification
- 4.1 The Concept *MOVE RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC* and its Sound Pattern
- 4.1.1 Internal Structure of /da: n s/
- 4.2 The Concept *PERSON MOVING RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC* and its Sound Pattern
- 4.2.1 Compositionality
- 4.2.2 Associative Relations
- 4.2.3 Motivation of the Internal Structure of /da: n s ǝ/
- 4.3 Structural Motivation and Conventionalized Arbitrariness
- 4.3.1 Structural Motivation of /da: ns ǝ/
- 4.3.2 Arbitrariness of /d a: ns/and/ǝ/
- 5 The Essence
- 5.1 Structural Motivation of Complex Signs
- 5.2 Arbitrary Relation of Constituent Units
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The objective of this paper is to explore the relationship between arbitrariness and motivation within complex linguistic signs, demonstrating their inseparable connection in linguistic analysis. This will be achieved by distinguishing between simplex and complex signs, introducing methods of sign analysis, and providing illustrative examples.
- The distinction between simplex and complex linguistic signs.
- The correlation between arbitrariness and motivation in linguistic analysis.
- Sign internal and sign related analysis as methods for understanding linguistic signs.
- The role of convention in the relationship between concept and sound pattern.
- Exemplification of the interplay of arbitrariness and motivation in complex signs.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's central aim: to highlight the interconnectedness of arbitrariness and motivation in analyzing complex linguistic signs. It challenges the notion that arbitrariness dominates linguistic analysis, citing Bolinger and Dirven & Verspoor to support the argument for motivation's significance in explaining language phenomena. The chapter introduces three key principles underlying motivation: sequential ordering, quantity, and proximity, illustrating how these principles structure formal and conceptual aspects of linguistic signs. However, it emphasizes that motivation doesn't fully account for the arbitrary element—the conventional link between concept and sound pattern—which is crucial for understanding complex signs.
2 Language and the Linguistic Sign: This chapter lays the groundwork by differentiating between simplex and complex signs. Simplex signs are basic, uncomposed units, whereas complex signs comprise multiple constituent units (simplexes, affixes, or other complex signs). It introduces Saussure's concept of the linguistic sign as a link between a concept and a sound pattern, stressing the conventional nature of this link. The chapter also defines language as a structured system of signs used to express a vast range of concepts, both pre-existing and newly created.
3 Arbitrariness and Motivation: This chapter delves into the core theme, exploring the interplay of arbitrariness and motivation in linguistic analysis. It connects arbitrariness with sign-internal analysis (focusing on the internal structure of the sign itself) and motivation with sign-related analysis (considering the sign's relationship to other signs and concepts). By defining arbitrariness and motivation, the chapter prepares the groundwork for analyzing how both aspects contribute to the understanding of complex signs. The chapter anticipates a deeper exploration of this complex interplay in the subsequent exemplification chapter.
4 Exemplification: This chapter provides concrete examples to illustrate the theoretical points developed in the previous chapters. It analyzes the sound patterns of concepts such as “MOVE RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC” and “PERSON MOVING RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC,” demonstrating how structural motivation interacts with conventionalized arbitrariness in the creation and understanding of meaning. The detailed examination of these examples serves to solidify the thesis's central argument regarding the inseparable nature of arbitrariness and motivation in the analysis of complex linguistic signs.
5 The Essence: This chapter will synthesize the findings from the previous chapters, providing a conclusive overview of the relationship between structural motivation and arbitrary relations within complex signs. It draws together the arguments and evidence presented throughout the thesis. (Note: Content of this chapter is excluded per instructions).
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Arbitrariness, motivation, complex linguistic signs, simplex signs, sign internal analysis, sign related analysis, compositionality, convention, Saussure, iconicity, structural motivation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview explores the relationship between arbitrariness and motivation in understanding complex linguistic signs. It argues that these two concepts are inseparable in linguistic analysis and demonstrates this through detailed examples and analysis.
What are the key concepts discussed in this preview?
Key concepts include: simplex and complex linguistic signs; sign-internal and sign-related analysis; arbitrariness and its connection to sign-internal analysis; motivation and its connection to sign-related analysis; the role of convention in the relationship between concept and sound pattern; and the interplay of arbitrariness and motivation in complex signs.
How does the preview define "simplex" and "complex" linguistic signs?
Simplex signs are basic, uncomposed units, while complex signs are composed of multiple constituent units (simplexes, affixes, or other complex signs).
What are sign-internal and sign-related analysis?
Sign-internal analysis focuses on the internal structure of a linguistic sign itself, often relating to the concept of arbitrariness. Sign-related analysis considers the sign's relationship to other signs and concepts, often relating to the concept of motivation.
How does the preview explain the relationship between arbitrariness and motivation?
The preview argues that arbitrariness (the arbitrary link between concept and sound pattern) and motivation (the meaningful relationship between a sign and its components or other signs) are not opposing forces but rather intertwined aspects of linguistic signs. It shows how structural motivation can exist alongside conventionalized arbitrariness in complex signs.
What examples are used to illustrate the concepts of arbitrariness and motivation?
The preview analyzes the sound patterns of the concepts "MOVE RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC" and "PERSON MOVING RHYTHMICALLY TO MUSIC," demonstrating how structural motivation (relationships within the sound pattern) interacts with conventionalized arbitrariness (the arbitrary link between the sound pattern and its meaning).
What is the role of convention in the relationship between concept and sound pattern?
Convention plays a crucial role. While motivation explains some aspects of the relationship between a concept and its sound pattern, the arbitrary, conventional link between them is essential, particularly for understanding complex signs. This conventional link is what makes a particular sound pattern associated with a specific meaning.
What is the overall conclusion of this language preview?
The preview concludes that arbitrariness and motivation are inseparable in analyzing complex linguistic signs. A complete understanding requires considering both the internal structure of the sign (arbitrariness) and its relationship to other signs and concepts (motivation).
What are some key figures or theories mentioned?
The preview mentions Ferdinand de Saussure's concept of the linguistic sign and references Bolinger and Dirven & Verspoor's work on motivation in language.
What are the key words associated with this preview?
Key words include: arbitrariness, motivation, complex linguistic signs, simplex signs, sign-internal analysis, sign-related analysis, compositionality, convention, Saussure, iconicity, structural motivation.
- Quote paper
- Tilo Voltz (Author), 2008, Arbitrariness and Complex Signs, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/119708
