Lexicon, Functional Categories, and Clause Structure
Topic 1: A Review of the Lexicon and Constituent Structure
A lexical entry is composed of categorial information, a subcategorization frame, argument structure, and a theta-grid.
Category
There are two types of categorial information:
- Lexical categories: N (noun), V (verb), A (adjective), P (preposition), and Adv (adverb).
a. They have no __ car, conscience, friends… (N)
b. *They have no __ went (V), older (A), conscientiously (Adv)…
a. They can __ stay, leave, hide, starve, die… (V)
b. *They can
Understanding Clause Elements and Embedding
NOUN PHRASE, ADJECTIVE PHRASE, PREPOSITIONAL PHRASE.
When we talk of sensitive elements, we are thinking of the way different kinds of formal phrases FUNCTION, how the same kind of phrase can express different elements.
Noun Phrases
Noun phrases can be: subject, object, object of preposition, and complement.
Adjective Phrases
Adjective phrases can be: complement.
Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can be: part of a noun phrase, an adverbial.
Semantic Functions of Clause Elements
Subject
- AGENTIVE:
Sentence Types, Communication, and Textual Analysis
Sentence Types and Communication Modes
Sentence and communication patterns reveal the issuer’s attitude towards the wording and intent with respect to the receiver.
Declarative Sentences
The issuer presents a statement, affirming or denying its content. The receiver must understand this statement as true.
Interrogative Sentences
The sender calls the receiver’s attention and prompts them to seek an answer. The predominant role is, therefore, apelativa. This also includes rhetorical questions, where the
Read MoreUnderstanding the Importance of Language and Communication
· प्रमाण शब्द की निरूक्ति : ‘प्रमीयतेऽनेनेति प्रमाणम्।’
· प्रमाण की व्याख्या :
‘अर्थोपलब्धिर्हेतु: प्रमाणम्।
· परीक्षा की व्याख्या : ‘परीक्ष्यते व्यवस्थाप्यते वस्तुस्वरूपमनयेति परीक्षा प्रमाणम्।’
Argumentative Texts, Theater, and Compound Sentences
Argumentative Texts: Media
- The Publisher: This text is unsigned and exposes the media’s ideas about a topic.
- The Chronicle: It’s a newspaper, television, or radio article in which the writer reports on an incident and reflects on it.
- The Op-Ed: In the opinion article, a specialist or prestigious person expresses an opinion about a topical issue.
- The Letter to the Editor: It is an opinion piece that discusses a topical issue, sent to an editor of a magazine or newspaper. The text should be signed and
Language Functions and Sentence Structure Explained
Language Functions in Communication
Language serves various purposes, and the issuer utilizes it in communicative situations.
- Representative Function: Transmits information. Verbs are typically in the 3rd person. Example: (Paracetamol is on the shelf)
- Expressive and Emotional Function: Expresses opinions and feelings. Verbs are in the 1st person, questions, or exclamations. Lexico is subjective.
- Appellate or Conative Function: Influences the receiver’s behavior or ideas: orders, instructions. Verbs