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4 - Understanding Lexemes

The Role of the Linguistic Co-Text

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2023

Benoît Leclercq
Affiliation:
Université Paris 8
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Summary

Chapter 4 examines how the direct linguistic environment of a lexeme affects its interpretation. In keeping with the constructionist approach, this means looking into the interaction between lexemes and the various types of constructions in which they are found. First, examples of coercion are considered. Though semantically triggered, it is argued that such examples are pragmatically resolved and do not require a process distinct from lexically regulated saturation (Leclercq, 2019). The pragmatic roots of coercion are related to the “procedural function” of the “grammatical constructions” involved, two concepts whose definitions are carefully reviewed. It is argued that grammatical constructions serve only to assist the interpretation process. Second, attention is given to more idiomatic constructions in which lexemes are also found. The interpretation of these constructions is said to follow from a parallel, context-sensitive process guided by considerations of relevance that may suspend lexically regulated saturation. Overall, Chapter 4 sheds light on the complex ways in which lexical meaning comes about.

Type
Chapter
Information
Linguistic Knowledge and Language Use
Bridging Construction Grammar and Relevance Theory
, pp. 117 - 180
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • Understanding Lexemes
  • Benoît Leclercq, Université Paris 8
  • Book: Linguistic Knowledge and Language Use
  • Online publication: 19 October 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009273213.004
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  • Understanding Lexemes
  • Benoît Leclercq, Université Paris 8
  • Book: Linguistic Knowledge and Language Use
  • Online publication: 19 October 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009273213.004
Available formats
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  • Understanding Lexemes
  • Benoît Leclercq, Université Paris 8
  • Book: Linguistic Knowledge and Language Use
  • Online publication: 19 October 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009273213.004
Available formats
×