Lyngfelt Benjamin

This Element presents a constructionist approach to clausal syntax in Swedish. Swedish syntax poses some challenges to language learners and linguists alike, particularly as regards word order. We handle these challenges in a network model of Swedish syntax, in which clausal and phrasal constructions at different levels of generality interact with argument structure constructions and other syntactic structures. Key to the analysis is a restrictive treatment of clausal hierarchy, a view of constructions as conventional usage patterns, and treating combination of constructions by conceptual blending. Thus, the model combines a formalized overall account of clausal syntax with a view of language as inherently usage-based. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

This Element presents a constructionist approach to clausal syntax in Swedish. Swedish syntax poses some challenges to language learners and linguists alike, particularly as regards word order. We handle these challenges in a network model of Swedish syntax, in which clausal and phrasal constructions at different levels of generality interact with argument structure constructions and other syntactic structures. Key to the analysis is a restrictive treatment of clausal hierarchy, a view of constructions as conventional usage patterns, and treating combination of constructions by conceptual blending. Thus, the model combines a formalized overall account of clausal syntax with a view of language as inherently usage-based. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.