Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency

An Exploratory Questionnaire Study

Bibliographic Data

ID5900570
AuthorsMalte Rosemeyer (0000-0001-5348-561X, University of Freiburg, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume3
Issue4
Pages39
Publication date2018-10-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueLanguages (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2226-471X • E-ISSN: 2226-471X
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/languages3040039
OpenAlexW2898430419
LanguageEN
References cited16

This paper explores the relationship between refunctionalization and usage frequency. In particular, it argues that (a) refunctionalization is more likely for low-frequency construction than high-frequency constructions, and that (b) high-frequency patterns are more likely candidates as models for refunctionalization processes than low-frequency patterns. It proposes that folk etymology processes be characterized as a type of refunctionalization process because in folk etymology, obsolescent and semantically void morphemes are replaced with morphemes that actually serve a function in language. This assumption allows for an empirical investigation of refunctionalization using an exploratory questionnaire study. The results indicate that usage frequency indeed plays a role in folk etymology processes, and consequently, refunctionalization. In particular, participants were more likely to accept false etymologies when the proposed etymon had a high usage frequency than when it had a low usage frequency. In summary, the present study proposes a way to study refunctionalization processes in synchrony

Etymology · Exploratory research · Linguistics · Morpheme · Natural language processing · Social science · Sociology · Computer Science · Lexicography and Language Studies · Linguistics and language evolution · Natural Language Processing Techniques · Philosophy · Psychology