Ferdinand de Saussure called the relationship between a word and other accompanying words a syntagmatic relation, and the relationship between a word and related but not-occurring words, an associative relationship. For the latter a new term was somewhat later proposed by Hjelmslev – a paradigmatic relation-ship, which is universally preferred in modern linguistics.
Paradigmatic (vertical) relations are those that bind the elements of a group or a class of lexemes – “sets of intersubstitutable elements” (Lyons 2002:96) – from paradigm of a single world to whole lexical fields. Lexical items so related stand in opposition or contrast to each other and help to define the meaning of each other.
Syntagmatic (horizontal) relations between words are “the relations that hold among elements that can occur in combination with one another, in well-formed syntagms”. (Lyons 2002:96) They are linear and simultaneous in the stream of speech or writing and define the rules of combining smaller units of any level of a language into bigger ones and compatibility of the former. They characterise the formation of syntagms as a language sequence.
I have chosen to make syntagmatic relations between words the topic of this work because in my opinion this relationship is the most important part of linguistics as it is namely syntagmatics that describes and explains the functioning of words in speech and writing, i.e. in the reality of a language. It is certainly one of the most important aspects of each language as far as its learners are concerned as it is vital for those who learn a language to learn how the words collocate with each other alongside their meanings and paradigms.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Approaches to syntagmatic relations
- 2.1. Katz/ Fodor Model
- 2.2. Weinreich Model
- 2.3. Collocation
- 3. Comparison with Corpus
- 4. Conclusion
- 5. Bibliography
- 6. Appendix 1
- 7. Appendix 2
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore syntagmatic relations between words, arguing that understanding these relations is crucial for comprehending language function in speech and writing. The study focuses on three models of syntagmatic relations: the Katz/Fodor model, the Weinreich model, and the concept of collocation. The analysis uses corpus data to illustrate the findings.
- Syntagmatic relations as a core component of linguistic analysis.
- Comparison and contrast of different theoretical models of syntagmatic relations.
- The role of selection restrictions and transfer features in resolving lexical ambiguity.
- Application of theoretical models to real-world language examples.
- Illustrative analysis using corpus data.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the paper's central focus: syntagmatic relations between words. It defines syntagmatic and paradigmatic relations based on Saussure and Hjelmslev's work, highlighting the importance of syntagmatic relations in understanding language use and acquisition. The chapter introduces the three models of syntagmatic relations that will be analyzed in subsequent chapters: the Katz/Fodor model, the Weinreich model, and the concept of collocation. It emphasizes the practical relevance of understanding how words combine, arguing that this knowledge is vital for language learners.
2. Approaches to syntagmatic relations: This chapter provides an overview of various theoretical approaches to studying syntagmatic relations, framing the subsequent detailed examinations of specific models. It sets the stage by distinguishing between the generative grammar frameworks (Katz/Fodor and Weinreich models) and the "traditional British approach" to collocation. This contextualization is crucial for understanding the differing assumptions and methodologies underlying each model's analysis of word combinations.
2.1. Katz/ Fodor Model: The Katz/Fodor model is presented as a foundational approach to syntagmatic relations within generative grammar. The chapter details the model's two components: the dictionary, containing multiple meanings for polysemous lexemes, and the projection rules, which combine these meanings based on syntactic structure and selection restrictions. The analysis uses the example of the word "conductor" to illustrate how the model attempts to resolve lexical ambiguity by selecting the appropriate meaning within a specific context. The chapter also discusses limitations of the model, particularly its difficulties in handling complex or ambiguous sentences where selection restrictions may not readily disambiguate the intended meaning.
2.2. Weinreich Model: This section critiques the Katz/Fodor model, highlighting its limitations in handling the vast potential for meaning differentiation. Weinreich's alternative model is introduced, emphasizing the use of "transfer features" as a less restrictive mechanism for explaining the interpretation of even unusual or conflicting lexeme combinations. The chapter contrasts transfer features with selection restrictions, illustrating how transfer features can account for the interpretation of sentences like "He was drinking carrots" by transferring a feature (e.g., <-SOLID>) from the verb to its object. The greater flexibility and explanatory power of transfer features in handling unconventional word combinations are emphasized.
Keywords
Syntagmatic relations, paradigmatic relations, Katz/Fodor model, Weinreich model, collocation, selection restrictions, transfer features, lexical ambiguity, corpus linguistics, generative grammar.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview focuses on syntagmatic relations between words – how words combine to form meaningful phrases and sentences. It explores different theoretical models for understanding these relations and their implications for language analysis.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
The key themes include: the importance of syntagmatic relations in linguistic analysis; a comparison of various theoretical models (Katz/Fodor, Weinreich, and collocation); the role of selection restrictions and transfer features in resolving lexical ambiguity; application of theoretical models to real-world examples; and illustrative analysis using corpus data.
Which models of syntagmatic relations are discussed?
The preview examines three major models: the Katz/Fodor model, the Weinreich model, and the concept of collocation. The Katz/Fodor model uses selection restrictions to determine word combinations; the Weinreich model uses transfer features; and collocation focuses on the frequent co-occurrence of words.
How are the models compared and contrasted?
The preview compares the models by highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in handling lexical ambiguity and unusual word combinations. The Katz/Fodor model is presented as a more restrictive approach, while the Weinreich model offers greater flexibility with its transfer features. Collocation is contrasted as a more corpus-based approach.
What is the role of corpus data in this analysis?
Corpus data is used to illustrate and support the theoretical discussions. The preview uses real-world language examples from corpora to demonstrate the application of the various models and to highlight their effectiveness (or limitations) in analyzing actual language use.
What are selection restrictions and transfer features?
Selection restrictions, used in the Katz/Fodor model, are constraints on word combinations based on semantic compatibility. Transfer features, used in the Weinreich model, allow for a more flexible interpretation of word combinations, even unusual ones, by transferring semantic features between words.
What is the significance of lexical ambiguity in this context?
Lexical ambiguity, where a word has multiple meanings, is central to the discussion. The models presented attempt to explain how context and linguistic rules resolve such ambiguities to create coherent interpretations of sentences.
What is the overall structure of the preview?
The preview includes an introduction, a detailed examination of different models of syntagmatic relations, a comparison with corpus data, a conclusion, bibliography, and appendices. Each chapter is summarized within the preview itself.
What are the key takeaways from this language preview?
Understanding syntagmatic relations is crucial for comprehending language function. Different theoretical models offer various approaches to analyzing these relations, each with its own strengths and limitations. Corpus data provides valuable insights into real-world language use and helps evaluate the practical application of these theoretical models.
Where can I find more information on these topics?
The preview includes a bibliography with references for further reading on syntagmatic relations, the models discussed, and related linguistic concepts.
- Quote paper
- Olga Nikitina (Author), 2007, Lexical meaning - Syntagmatic relations, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/69807
