A cognitive-functional approach to the order of adjectives in the English noun phrase

Bibliographic Data

ID3987475
AuthorsKristin Davidse (0000-0001-8474-9518, KU Leuven), Tine Breban (0000-0001-9313-2632, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, ManchesterM13 9PL, UK, corresponding author)
Year2019
Volume57
Issue2
Pages327-371
Publication date2019-03-26
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLinguistics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0024-3949 • E-ISSN: 1613-396X
PublisherWalter de Gruyter GmbH (PUBLISHER • DE)
DOI10.1515/ling-2019-0003
OpenAlexW2761657371
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited23

In this article we identify and motivate the main word order patterns of adjectives in the English NP. Theoretically, we situate ourselves within the tradition of semiotically-based, cognitive-functional construction grammars as developed by such linguists as Halliday, Langacker and McGregor. In this tradition, the lexicogrammar is assumed to exist to symbolize semantic functions. We argue that the various semantic functions of adjectives in the English NP are coded by different modification relations, which differ in terms of where and how they fit into the structural assembly of the whole NP. We hold that function motivates structure, and that order is an epiphenomenon of structure. Therefore, we first set out our model of the functions that can be fulfilled by adjectives in the English NP. This model is innovative in a number of ways. Theoretically, it extends the distinction between representational and interpersonal modifiers. Descriptively, we elucidate the traditionally recognized representational functions of classifier and epithet as well as the interpersonal functions of noun-intensifier and secondary determiner. To this set, we add the hitherto barely recognized interpersonal functions of focus marker and metadesignative. We also systematically investigate the possibility for coordination and subordination between adjectives fulfilling the same function. In a second step, we then correlate this functional-structural model with the general ordering tendencies of the functions realized by adjectives. We specify the general left-to-right ordering of the six functions, pointing out possible and impossible orders of the functions relative to each other. We interpret the distinction between representational and interpersonal modifiers with regard to their different ordering potential. Finally, we look at the main ordering options available for multiple adjectives realizing the same function

Applied linguistics · Contrastive linguistics · Determiner · Interpersonal communication · Linguistics · Noun · Noun phrase · Structural linguistics · Subordination (linguistics) · Word order · Communication · Linguistics and Discourse Analysis · Natural Language Processing Techniques · Philosophy · Psychology · Syntax, Semantics, Linguistic Variation

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