Discourse constructions in English: meaning, form and hierarchiesA study from the point of view of the Lexical Constructional Model stars

Abstract

This dissertation is framed within the latest developments of the Lexical Constructional Model (LCM), developed by professors Ruiz de Mendoza and Mairal (LCM; Ruiz de Mendoza and Mairal 2008, 2011, Mairal and Ruiz de Mendoza 2008, 2009). More specifically, this dissertation involves the development of the discourse level of the LCM from a Constructional Grammar perspective, and emphasizes the role of discursive configurations in the construction of meaning. In order to do so, the study identifies three families of constructions at discourse level: (i) complementary alternation constructions (i.e. Neither X nor Y, X even Y, Not X even less Y, X let alone Y, X not to mention Y, etc.); (ii) complementary contrastive constructions (i.e. X nevertheless Y, X on the other hand Y, X is more M as N, X while Y, etc.); and (iii) contrast constructions (i.e. Either X or Y, X as against Y, X unlike Y, X contrary to Y, etc.). The constructions that form these families are then sub-classified based on Langacker’s (1987, 1999) notions of meaning base, profile, and active zone. These notions allow us to specify the conditions for the preference of use of one connector or discourse marker over another in a given context, thus proving that there are no two semantically identical constructions. This new methodology of analysis also reveals the existing connections between complementary alternation, complementary contrastive and contrast constructions as part of the same contrast continuum. This research implies a clear step forward in the cognitive classification and categorization of discourse constructions, and it also involves a great improvement in discourse analysis, since it is the first work that explains the subtleties of meaning between different discourse markers that are frequently treated as fully equivalent by lexicographers. It is also the first contribution to the creation of a Constructicon at discourse level which is consistent with the descriptive and explanatory mechanisms of the LCM. In a complementary way, the thesis also addresses the possible computational representation of the constructions analyzed. This representation is carried out through FunGramKB, a lexico-conceptual knowledge base for natural language processing (NLP) (see Periñán and Arcas 2004, 2007ab, 2010ab, Periñán and Mairal 2010, among others). In order to meet this goal, the linguistic descriptions of each construction have been transcribed into COREL language, the metalanguage used for conceptual and constructional representation in FunGramKB. Thus, this investigation provides a preliminary view of how discourse constructions would be treated computationally, describing the problems and requirements we have encountered in the process. Finally, it also offers suggestions for future linguists and knowledge engineers interested in developing semantic, pragmatic and discourse structure from a computational perspective.