The Syntax and Cognitive Motivation of English It-Clefts

Abstract

English it-cleft is a constant topic in linguistic study. Previous work on it-clefts resided in their structural and functional aspects and neglected their cognitive basis. This article is an attempt to consider the form and function of it-clefts within the framework of Cognitive Linguistics. Most previous studies of it-clefts have paid no attention to the status of 'it' and 'copular be' which is generally believed to be dummy. Following the tenets of Cognitive Linguistics, every form has its own meaning or function. This article argues that the function of 'it' as a pronoun is relative to the cleft clause, which is modified by the clause. 'Copular be' performs the function of identifying in it-clefts. This article then uses the concepts of Recency Effect, figure-ground and grounding theory, to account for the information distribution, cognitive motivation of it-clefts. Adapted from the source document