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A Cognitive Grammatical Approach to VC Constructions

NAM RYANG WOO 1 OH YOU JEONG 2

1경남대학교
2고려대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper will look at the relationship and categorization of different VCs, from which we propose that looking at these issues through the lens of Cognitive Grammar, specifically that of Prototype categorization theory and Construction Grammar, can provide more adequate explanations. Previous studies have solely used ‘meaning’ as the criteria for categorizing VCs into: resultative, degree(state), evaluation, etc. However, it will be shown that this approach, which is based on classical categorization theory, can neither categorize all the different VCs clearly, nor can it provide precise standards for categorization of VCs. Based on Prototype categorization theory, we suggest that the prototype VC has the following three features: V is a transitive verb; V and C have high intentional inevitability; C indicates objective result. VCs that have these three features, such as ‘砸破, 敲碎’, are prototypes of VCs and they denote resultative meaning. As these are central members, all VCs are structured radically including degree(state), evaluation, etc. As for the VCs that denote aspectual meaning, such as ‘到, 住’, they become members of a new eco system made by prototypes of VCs based on Lakeoff(1987). Additionally, according to Construction Grammar, we assume that VC is a construction, and explain that different VC constructions form a ‘meaning chain’, and this can give an appropriate account for the polysemy of VC constructions.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.