Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study
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 r...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2018-10-01
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| Series: | Languages |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/3/4/39 |
| _version_ | 1811187397942050816 |
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| author | Malte Rosemeyer |
| author_facet | Malte Rosemeyer |
| author_sort | Malte Rosemeyer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-11T14:02:47Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8b457afe9d18479da4fdca716406d745 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2226-471X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-11T14:02:47Z |
| publishDate | 2018-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Languages |
| spelling | doaj.art-8b457afe9d18479da4fdca716406d7452022-12-22T04:20:04ZengMDPI AGLanguages2226-471X2018-10-01343910.3390/languages3040039languages3040039Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire StudyMalte Rosemeyer0Romanisches Seminar, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79085 Freiburg, GermanyThis 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.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/3/4/39language changehistorical linguisticsrefunctionalizationfrequency effectsfolk etymologySpanish |
| spellingShingle | Malte Rosemeyer Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study Languages language change historical linguistics refunctionalization frequency effects folk etymology Spanish |
| title | Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study |
| title_full | Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study |
| title_fullStr | Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study |
| title_short | Refunctionalization and Usage Frequency: An Exploratory Questionnaire Study |
| title_sort | refunctionalization and usage frequency an exploratory questionnaire study |
| topic | language change historical linguistics refunctionalization frequency effects folk etymology Spanish |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/3/4/39 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT malterosemeyer refunctionalizationandusagefrequencyanexploratoryquestionnairestudy |