Visualising Merge as a Three-Dimensional Constructed Language Open Access
Harris, Keara (Spring 2021)
Abstract
Language as we know it is bound in time; in both spoken and signed varieties, we experience language in a linear form. However, linguists such as Noam Chomsky suggest that language is not linear at all. Rather, the rules and meanings of language are bound by hierarchical structures. This paper aims to explore the idea of hierarchical structure in language by taking Chomsky’s hypothesis of Merge seriously and using it to create a constructed language in three-dimensional space. The model will be able to represent an unlimited array of hierarchical structures of language. I will additionally explore the implications of such a structure on language acquisition. This paper represents an in-depth, theoretical thought experiment into Chomsky’s Merge and the idea of universal grammar.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Background 2
2.1 Chomsky and Universal Grammar 2
2.2 Alternative Theories; Usage-Based Grammar 5
2.3 Potential Arguments for Linearity 6
2.3.1 Garden Path Sentences 7
2.3.2 Centre-Embedding 8
2.3.3 Pragmatic Arguments 9
2.4 Internal and External Merge 10
2.5 Constructed Languages and Structural Dependence 12
3 Concept 13
3.1 Design Process 14
3.1.1 Blender 14
3.1.2 Clip Studio Paint 14
3.1.3 Modelling Process 15
4 The Model 15
4.1 The Building Blocks 15
4.2 Basic Model 16
4.3 Clarity in Structure 18
4.3.1 Ambiguity in Meaning 18
4.3.2 Garden Path Sentences 21
4.4 Impossible Forms 22
4.5 Possible Errors 23
5 Discussion 24
5.1 Relation to the Field 24
5.2 Feasibility Based on Current Theories 25
5.3 Accounting for the Combinatorial Property of Language 26
5.4 Further Directions 27
6 Conclusion 28
7 References 29
8 Appendix 29
8.1 Creative Work: Theoretical Plan 29
8.2 Concept Sketches and Sculptures 32
About this Honors Thesis
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Primary PDF
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Visualising Merge as a Three-Dimensional Constructed Language () | 2021-04-15 15:06:02 -0400 |
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Supplemental Files
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Models (This ZIP contains the building blocks as well as two of the models used in my thesis.) | 2021-04-13 00:00:28 -0400 |
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