Empirical Evidences and Theoretical Assumptions in Functional Linguistics

Description

This collection explores the relationships between theory and evidences in functional linguistics, bringing together perspectives from both established and emerging scholars. The volume begins by establishing theoretical common ground for functional approaches to language, critically discussing empirical inquiry in functional linguistics and the challenges and opportunities of using new technologies in linguistic investigations. Building on this foundation, the second part of the volume explores the challenges involved in using different data sources as evidence for theorizing language and linguistic processes, drawing on work on lexical cohesion in language variation, neuroimaging and neuropathological data, and keystroke logging and eye-tracking. The final section of the volume examines the ways in which evidences from a wide range of data sources can offer new perspectives toward challenging established theoretical claims, employing empirical evidences from corpus linguistic analysis, keystroke logging, and multimodal communication. This pioneering collection synthesizes perspectives and addresses fundamental questions in the investigation of the relationships between theory and evidences in functional linguistics and will be of particular interest to researchers working in the field, as well as linguists working in experimental and interdisciplinary approaches which seek to bridge this gap. Cover Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Figures Tables Notes on Contributors 1 Introduction Note References 2 Neurolinguistic and Neuropsychological Evidences for Functionally Organized Language Networks 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Neuropsychological and Neurobiological Perspectives On ‘The Language Network’ 2.3 Neuroimaging Structure in ‘The Language Network’ 2.4 Tracking White Matter Pathways 2.5 Neuroimaging Function and ‘The Language Network’ 2.5.1 An FMRI-Based ‘Language Network’ 2.5.2 MEG-Based ‘Conceptual Combination’ in the Left Anterior Temporal Lobe 2.5.3 MEG-Based Spatio-Temporal Networks for Scene Description 2.5.4 Spatio-Temporal Networks for Picture Naming and ‘The Language Network’ 2.6 Discussion 2.7 Conclusion References 3 Keystroke Logging Data: What Can It Tell Us About Mode and Written Language Production? 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Functional Approaches to Language 3.2.1 Data in Functional Approaches to Language 3.3 Keystroke Logging: Its Use and Applications 3.3.1 KSL in Writing Research The Writing Process Pauses and the Cognitive Aspects of Writing The Text-In-Production 3.3.2 KSL in Experimental Writing Studies 3.3.3 KSL in Translation Studies 3.4 Mode of Production for Digital Text 3.4.1 Handwriting vs Typing Modes of Production 3.4.2 Copy vs Writing 3.4.3 Informal vs Formal Modes of Writing 3.4.4 Summary 3.5 Closing Remarks Notes References 4 The Influence of Experiential Aspects of Meaning On the Translation Process 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Method 4.2.1 Statistical Models 4.2.2 General Model Diagnostics 4.3 Results 4.3.1 Total Reading Time of the Source Text 4.3.2 Total Reading Time of the Target Text 4.3.3 Pauses Within Target Text Production 4.3.4 Avg. Micro Unit Length 4.3.5 Translation Duration 4.4 Discussion and Conclusion Notes References 5 On the Process of Choosing in Translational Logogenesis 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Theme as an Area of Contrasts in English and German 5.3 Method 5.4 Findings and Discussion 5.5 Outlook Acknowledgements Notes References 6 Lexical Cohesion: Dimensions and Linguistic Properties of Chains in English and German 6.1 Introduction: Defining Concepts 6.2 Goals and Motivation 6.2.1 Summary of Hypotheses 1 Semantic Variability in Chains 2 Cohesive Strength 3 Number and Length of Nominal Chains 4 Degree of Specification 5 Degree of Variation 6.3 Methodology 6.4 Analyses 6.4.1 Semantic Variability 6.4.2 Cohesive Strength 6.4.3 Number and Length of Lexical Chains 6.4.4 Degree of Specification 6.4.5 Degree of Variation 6.5 Conclusion Notes References 7 The Cohesive Landscape of English Of-NPs: An Empirical, Expression-Centred Approach to Coherence 7.1 Introduction: an Expression-Centred Approach to Coherence 7.2 A Review of English Binominal Noun Phrases (of-NPs) 7.3 An Expression-Centred Approach: Methodology 7.3.1 The Cohesive Landscape of English Of-NPs 7.3.2 Data Gathering 7.4 The Textual Functions of English Of-NPs 7.4.1 The Textual Function of Elaboration 7.4.2 The Textual Function of Linking 7.4.3 The Textual Function of Transition 7.4.4 The Textual Function of Introduction 7.4.5 The Interplay Between the Textual Functions 7.5 Conclusion: Benefits of an Expression-Centred Approach Notes References 8 Challenging Instantiation in Modelling Movement-Based Multimodal Communication 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Instantiation 8.3 Instantiation vs Realisation 8.4 FGD Example of Analysis 8.5 Conclusion Notes References 9 Epilogue 9.1 Synthesis 9.2 Where Do We Go From Here? 9.2.1 Linguistics as an Empirical Discipline 9.2.2 On the Nature of Linguistic Data 9.2.3 Empirical Data and Theoretical Development 9.3 Closing Remarks Notes References Index