Correlation between semantic compatibility and frequency: A usage-based approach

This study investigates the nature of semantic compatibility between constructions and lexical items that occur in them, in relation with language use. The usage-based model, proposed by Langacker (1987), assumes that linguistic knowledge (grammar) is grounded in language use. However, the relation between the linguistic knowledge and usage has not been empirically tested. This study shows that semantic compatibility between linguistic elements is a gradient phenomenon, and that speakers' knowledge about the degree of semantic compatibility is intimately correlated with language use, specifically frequency of use. To show this, I investigate linguistic knowledge of the semantic compatibility between the English ditransitive construction (DC) and various verbs that occur in the DC. I set up five semantic compatibility categories, and categorized various verbs according to the degree that the verb implies "successful transfer of possession" (Goldberg 1995). Then, I obtained frequency pattern of the verbs and the DC by using collexeme analysis (Stefanowitsch and Gries 2003), which is a method of measuring relative frequency of co-occurrences of a lexical item and a particular construction. I finally correlated the semantic compatibility of various verbs and the result of collexeme analysis. My findings specifically show that the more compatible a verb is with the construction, the more frequent it will be used in the construction. The empirical data support the assumption of the usage-based model that grammar and usage are closely related. (Incheon National University)