The Construction of Words: Introduction and Overview

Abstract

In Construction Morphology, morphological patterns are expressed by constructional schemas that motivate properties of existing complex words, and state how new complex words can be formed. This article briefly summarizes a number of theoretical assumptions of Construction Morphology, and how they play a role in the various contributions to this volume on advances in Construction Morphology. Key features of this theory are that morphology is word-based, that morphological patterns are interpreted as constructions (form-meaning pairs), and that there is no strict separation of grammar and lexicon. Paradigmatic relationships play an essential role in structuring lexical and grammatical knowledge. These ideas can be applied fruitfully to the study of sign language, visual language, language change, language acquisition, and language processing.