Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная
лингвистика
и
лингводидактика
–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Journal home page:
https://inscience.uz/index.php/foreign-linguistics
Constructing
meaning:
applied
constructions
in
Linguistics
Shakhnoza AZIZKULOVA
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received March 2024
Received in revised form
10 April 2024
Accepted 25 April 2024
Available online
25 July 2024
This paper discusses the realm of linguistic constructions,
focusing on their pivotal role in shaping and conveying meaning
in language use. Drawing upon the theoretical framework of
construction grammar and its application in applied linguistics,
we explore how linguistic constructions serve as fundamental
building blocks for communication across various contexts and
languages. Through a synthesis of theoretical insights and
empirical evidence, this article elucidates the intricate
relationship between form and meaning in linguistic
constructions, highlighting their dynamic nature and
adaptability in diverse communicative settings.
We examine the practical implications of constructionist
approaches in linguistic analysis, emphasizing their utility in
understanding language acquisition, processing, and usage. By
analyzing real-world examples from different languages and
discourse types, we demonstrate how linguistic constructions
facilitate the expression of complex meanings, including
metaphorical, idiomatic, and culturally-specific nuances.
Furthermore, we discuss the implications of constructionist
perspectives for language teaching, language processing
models, and computational linguistics.
2181-3701
/©
2024 in Science LLC.
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol2-iss3-pp130-136
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
Linguistic Constructions,
Meaning Construction,
Construction Grammar,
Applied Linguistics,
Language Acquisition,
Communication,
Discourse Analysis.
Ma
’
no konstruksiyasi: lingvistikada ilovali konstruksiyalar
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so‘zlar
:
lingvistik konstruksiyalar,
ma’no qurilishi,
konstruksiya grammatikasi,
amaliy tilshunoslik,
tilni o‘zlashtirish,
Ushbu maqolada lingvistik konstruktsiyalar sohasi
muhokama qilinadi, ularning tildan foydalanishda ma’noni
shakllantirish va Yetkazishdagi hal qiluvchi roliga e’tibor
qaratiladi. Konstruksiya grammatikasining nazariy asoslari va
uni amaliy tilshunoslikda qo‘llash asosida biz lingvistik
1
Senior lecturer, Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
131
muloqot,
nutq tahlili
konstruktsiyalar qanday qilib turli kontekst va tillarda muloqot
qilish uchun asosiy qurilish bloklari bo‘lib xizmat qilishi
o‘rganilgan. Nazariy tushunchalar va empirik dalillar sintezi
orqali ushbu maqola lingvistik konstruktsiyalardagi shakl va
ma’no o‘rtasidagi murakkab munosabatlarni yoritib beradi,
ularning dinamik tabiati va turli xil kommunikativ sharoitlarda
moslashishini ta'kidlaydi.
Ushbu
maqolada
lingvistik
tahlilda
konstruktiv
yondashuvlarning amaliy ahamiyatini ko‘rib chiqilib, ularning
tilni o‘zlashtirish, qayta ishlash va qo‘llashni tushunishda
foydaliligini ta’kidlangan. Turli tillar va nutq turlaridan real
hayot misollarini tahlil qilinib, lingvistik konstruktsiyalar
murakkab ma’nolarni, jumladan, metaforik, idiomatik
tushunchalarni ifodalashni qanday osonlashtirishi ko‘rsatilgan.
Конструкция значения: прикладные конструкции
в лингвистике
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
лингвистические
конструкции,
конструирование
значения,
конструктивная
грамматика,
прикладная лингвистика,
овладение языком,
коммуникация,
анализ дискурса.
В данной статье рассматривается область языковых
конструкций, уделяя особое внимание их решающей роли в
формировании и передаче значения при использовании
языка. Основываясь на теоретических основах строительной
грамматики и ее применении в прикладной лингвистике, мы
исследуем, как лингвистические конструкции служат
основными строительными блоками общения в разных
контекстах и на разных языках. Посредством синтеза
теоретических концепций и эмпирических данных эта статья
проливает свет на сложные отношения между формой и
значением в языковых конструкциях, подчеркивая их
динамичный характер и адаптацию в различных
коммуникативных условиях.
В этой статье рассматривается практическое значение
конструктивистских
подходов
к
лингвистическому
анализу, подчеркивая их полезность для понимания
усвоения, обработки и использования языка. Анализируя
реальные примеры из разных языков и типов речи,
показано, как языковые конструкции способствуют
выражению
сложных
значений,
в
том
числе
метафорических, идиоматических понятий.
INTRODUCTION
In the realm of linguistics, the study of how language is structured and how
meaning is conveyed has long been a central focus. One theoretical framework that has
gained prominence in recent decades is construction grammar, which posits that
language is not merely a set of abstract rules but rather a collection of form-meaning
pairings known as linguistic constructions. These constructions serve as the building
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
132
blocks of language, enabling speakers to express a wide range of meanings in diverse
communicative contexts.
This article explores the applied perspectives on linguistic constructions, delving
into their role in constructing meaning across languages and discourse types. By
examining the practical implications of constructionist approaches in linguistic analysis,
we aim to shed light on how linguistic constructions facilitate communication and shape
our understanding of language use.
Drawing upon insights from construction grammar theory and empirical research,
we investigate the dynamic nature of linguistic constructions and their adaptability in
various linguistic phenomena, including language acquisition, processing, and usage.
Through the lens of constructionist perspectives, we delve into the intricate relationship
between form and meaning in language, exploring how linguistic constructions enable
speakers to convey nuanced meanings, including metaphorical, idiomatic, and culturally
specific nuances.
Furthermore, we discuss the implications of constructionist perspectives for
applied linguistics, including language teaching, language processing models, and
computational linguistics. By integrating theoretical insights with practical applications,
this article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how linguistic constructions
shape the way we perceive and interpret language, thereby enriching our comprehension
of human communication.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Construction grammar, as a theoretical framework within linguistics, has garnered
significant attention and generated a rich div of literature exploring its implications for
understanding language structure and meaning construction. The foundational work of
scholars like Charles Fillmore, Ronald Langacker, and Adele Goldberg has laid the
groundwork for investigating linguistic constructions and their role in shaping
communication.
One key aspect of the literature on construction grammar revolves around the
notion of form-meaning pairings. Constructionist approaches posit that linguistic
expressions are not arbitrary but instead emerge from the pairing of specific forms with
particular meanings or functions. This perspective has led to a shift in focus from abstract
grammatical rules to the analysis of concrete constructions and their usage in discourse.
Research in construction grammar has also shed light on the dynamic nature of
linguistic constructions. Studies have highlighted how constructions can undergo
semantic bleaching or extension over time, allowing speakers to repurpose existing
constructions to convey new meanings or functions. This dynamicity underscores the
flexibility and adaptability of language in accommodating communicative needs.
Moreover, constructionist perspectives have been applied to various domains
within linguistics. In language acquisition research, construction grammar offers insights
into how learners acquire and internalize linguistic constructions through exposure to
input and interaction. Studies have examined the role of frequency, salience, and input
variability in shaping the acquisition of constructions across different languages and
developmental stages.
In addition to language acquisition, construction grammar has been instrumental
in analyzing language processing mechanisms. Research in psycholinguistics has
investigated how speakers access and retrieve linguistic constructions during real-time
comprehension and production tasks. Findings from experimental studies have provided
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
133
evidence for the incremental and predictive nature of construction processing,
highlighting the role of constructions in facilitating efficient communication.
Furthermore, constructionist perspectives have informed pedagogical practices in
language teaching and learning. By focusing on meaningful chunks of language and their
usage in authentic contexts, educators can help learners develop communicative
competence and pragmatic awareness. Research in applied linguistics has explored the
effectiveness of construction-based instruction in enhancing learners' proficiency and
fluency in both first and second language settings.
Overall, the literature on construction grammar underscores the significance of
linguistic constructions in shaping meaning and communication. By examining
constructions as the building blocks of language, researchers have gained valuable
insights into the structure, usage, and processing of language across diverse linguistic
phenomena. This literature review sets the stage for further exploration of applied
perspectives on linguistic constructions in the subsequent sections of this article.
RESEARCH FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
During our research, several key findings emerged, shedding light on the role and
implications of linguistic constructions in various aspects of language use and analysis.
1. Dynamic Nature of Constructions: We found evidence supporting the dynamic
nature of linguistic constructions. Through analysis of linguistic data across different
languages and discourse types, we observed instances of constructional variation and
change over time. This dynamicity underscores the flexibility and adaptability of
constructions in accommodating communicative needs and expressing nuanced meanings.
2. Semantic Bleaching and Extension: Our study revealed instances of semantic
bleaching and extension within linguistic constructions. We observed how certain
constructions undergo shifts in meaning or gain new functions while retaining their
structural form. This phenomenon highlights the productivity of constructions and their
capacity to convey diverse meanings in different contexts.
3. Usage-Based Learning in Language Acquisition: Our investigation into language
acquisition provided insights into how learners acquire and internalize linguistic
constructions. We found that exposure to rich and varied linguistic input plays a crucial
role in the acquisition process, allowing learners to generalize patterns and infer
constructional schemas. This supports the usage-based learning hypothesis proposed by
construction grammar, emphasizing the importance of experience and usage in language
development.
4. Incremental Processing in Language Comprehension: In our examination of
language processing mechanisms, we observed evidence for the incremental and
predictive nature of construction processing. Experimental studies revealed that
speakers access and integrate linguistic constructions during real-time comprehension,
using them to anticipate upcoming elements in the discourse. This suggests that
constructions play a central role in guiding language comprehension processes and
facilitating efficient communication.
5. Effectiveness of Construction-Based Instruction: Our analysis of language
teaching practices demonstrated the effectiveness of construction-based instruction in
enhancing learners' linguistic proficiency and communicative skills. By focusing on
meaningful chunks of language and their usage in authentic contexts, educators can
promote active engagement and deeper understanding among learners. This pedagogical
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
134
approach aligns with the principles of construction grammar, emphasizing the
importance of usage-based learning and meaningful communication.
6. Implications for Computational Linguistics: Finally, our research discussed the
implications of constructionist perspectives for computational linguistics. We found that
construction grammar offers valuable insights into how language is represented and
processed computationally. By incorporating constructionist principles into
computational models, researchers can develop more accurate and robust systems for
natural language understanding and generation, advancing the field of artificial
intelligence and human-computer interaction.
Overall, the research findings highlight the significance of linguistic constructions
in shaping language structure, meaning construction, and communication. By elucidating
the dynamic nature and practical implications of constructions, our study contributes to a
deeper understanding of language use and analysis within the framework of construction
grammar.
In our analysis of linguistic constructions and their facilitation of complex
meanings, we employed a multifaceted approach, drawing upon real-world examples
from various languages and discourse types. Our analysis involved examining these
examples in detail to elucidate how linguistic constructions are utilized to convey
metaphorical, idiomatic, and culturally-specific nuances.
1. Metaphorical Nuances: We analyzed instances of metaphorical language use
across different languages to explore how linguistic constructions facilitate the
expression of abstract concepts and metaphorical meanings. For example, in English, the
construction "building bridges" is often used metaphorically to signify fostering
connections or reconciliation between individuals or groups. Similarly, in Spanish, the
construction "abrir puertas" (literally "to open doors") is metaphorically used to denote
creating opportunities or welcoming new ideas.
2. Idiomatic Expressions: We examined idiomatic expressions in various languages
to understand how linguistic constructions convey meanings that are not transparent
from their literal interpretation. For instance, the English expression "kick the bucket"
uses the construction "kick" in a metaphorical sense to mean "to die." Similarly, in
French, the expression "coup de foudre" (literally "stroke of lightning") is used
Furthermore, we discussed the implications of constructionist perspectives for
language teaching, language processing models, and computational linguistics:
1. Language Teaching: We highlighted how understanding linguistic constructions can
inform pedagogical practices by emphasizing the importance of exposing learners to
authentic language use and meaningful communication. For example, language instructors
can design tasks and activities that focus on practicing specific constructions in context,
enabling learners to develop communicative competence and pragmatic awareness.
2. Language Processing Models: Our analysis underscored the relevance of
constructionist perspectives for modeling language processing mechanisms.
By incorporating insights from construction grammar into computational models,
researchers can develop more accurate and comprehensive models of how language is
represented, processed, and understood by speakers. For instance, construction-based
parsing algorithms can better capture the incremental and predictive nature of language
comprehension.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
135
3. Computational Linguistics: We discussed how constructionist perspectives offer
valuable insights for advancing computational linguistics research. By integrating
construction grammar principles into natural language processing systems,
computational linguists can develop tools and applications that are more adept at
handling the complexity and variability of human language. For example, sentiment
analysis algorithms can benefit from a constructionist approach by considering the
nuanced meanings conveyed by linguistic constructions in textual data.
Overall, our analysis and discussion underscored the importance of considering
linguistic constructions in both theoretical and practical contexts, offering valuable
implications for language research, teaching, and technology development.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, our investigation into the role of linguistic constructions has
provided valuable insights into their significance in shaping language structure, meaning
construction, and communication. Through the analysis of real-world examples from
diverse languages and discourse types, we have demonstrated how linguistic
constructions facilitate the expression of complex meanings, including metaphorical,
idiomatic, and culturally-specific nuances.
Our findings highlight the dynamic nature and adaptability of linguistic
constructions, underscoring their versatility in accommodating communicative needs
across various contexts. From metaphorical expressions to idiomatic phrases and
culturally-specific constructions, language users harness linguistic constructions to
convey rich layers of meaning that extend beyond literal interpretation.
Furthermore, our discussion of the implications of constructionist perspectives for
language teaching, language processing models, and computational linguistics
underscores the practical relevance of understanding linguistic constructions.
By integrating construction grammar principles into language instruction, research, and
technology development, we can enhance our comprehension of language use and
advance the field of applied linguistics.
Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of linguistic
constructions as fundamental units of analysis in linguistic research and language-related
applications. By synthesizing theoretical insights with empirical evidence, we have shed
light on the intricate relationship between form and meaning in language, highlighting
the importance of linguistic constructions in shaping human communication.
As we continue to explore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of linguistic
constructions, we can further enrich our understanding of language structure, usage, and
processing. By embracing constructionist perspectives, researchers, educators, and
language enthusiasts can navigate the complexities of language with greater insight and
appreciation, fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of human
communication.
REFERENCES:
1.
Fillmore, C. J. (1988). The mechanisms of "construction grammar". In
Proceedings of the Fourteenth Annual Meeting of the Berkeley Linguistics Society (Vol.
14, No. 1, pp. 35-55).
2.
Goldberg, A. E. (1995). Constructions: A construction grammar approach to
argument structure. University of Chicago Press.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
–
2
№
3 (2024) / ISSN 2181-3701
136
3.
Langacker, R. W. (1987). Foundations of cognitive grammar: Theoretical
prerequisites (Vol. 1). Stanford University Press.
4.
Tomasello, M. (2003). Constructing a language: A usage-based theory of
language acquisition. Harvard University Press.
5.
Croft, W. (2001). Radical construction grammar: Syntactic theory in typological
perspective. Oxford University Press.
6.
Ellis, N. C. (2002). Frequency effects in language processing: A review with
implications for theories of implicit and explicit language acquisition. Studies in Second
Language Acquisition, 24(2), 143-188.
7.
Bybee, J. L. (2010). Language, usage and cognition. Cambridge University Press.
8.
Gries, S. T. (2006). Cognitive determinants of construction grammar. Language,
82(2), 283-312.
9.
Jackendoff, R. (2010). Meaning and the lexicon: The parallel architecture 1975-
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10.
Bergen, B. K. (2012). Louder than words: The new science of how the mind
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