Hasil untuk "Language. Linguistic theory. Comparative grammar"

R. X. Masonto, E. M. Mncwango

Due to their common roots within the Bantu language family, isiZulu and Xitsonga exhibit several shared linguistic features, notably the use of a noun class system. Yet, their distinct morphological rules differentiate them. This article examines the morphosyntactic features of quantifiers in Bantu languages, and then compares them using isiZulu and Xitsonga as its focus area. Transformational Generative Grammar (TGG) theory is used. Employing an interpretive qualitative approach, the study purposefully selected two Bibles and four language practitioners. The study demonstrates that universal quantifiers in both languages function as stems that attach to either prefixes or suffixes. The analysis indicates that the structural arrangement of universal quantifiers in relation to the nouns they modify typically places the nouns (headwords) before the quantifiers. Additionally, the findings reveal that the stems ‘-onke’ and ‘hinkw-’ as quantifiers both fulfill collective roles; however, ‘wonke’ is also distributive. ‘-onke’ and ‘hinkw-’ mostly replicate the prefix of the nouns they quantify, exhibiting a robust agreement system, and can function as pronouns while modifying both plural and singular nouns. Nevertheless, it is noted that ‘hinkw-’ does not appear with nouns from class 1. It is recommended that future research compares the morphosyntactic structures of quantifiers in other Bantu languages, comparing their agreement systems and their position in relation to nouns and other parts of speech. Contribution: This article adds to linguistic scholarship, particularly within the study of Bantu languages. It enriches comparative analyses within this language family, shedding light on both shared and unique morphosyntactic features. It expands the understanding of the roles played by the two stems in agreement systems.

Kaja Dobrovoljc

This paper presents a novel treebank-driven approach to comparing syntactic structures in speech and writing using dependency-parsed corpora. Adopting a fully inductive, bottom-up method, we define syntactic structures as delexicalized dependency (sub)trees and extract them from spoken and written Universal Dependencies (UD) treebanks in two syntactically distinct languages, English and Slovenian. For each corpus, we analyze the size, diversity, and distribution of syntactic inventories, their overlap across modalities, and the structures most characteristic of speech. Results show that, across both languages, spoken corpora contain fewer and less diverse syntactic structures than their written counterparts, with consistent cross-linguistic preferences for certain structural types across modalities. Strikingly, the overlap between spoken and written syntactic inventories is very limited: most structures attested in speech do not occur in writing, pointing to modality-specific preferences in syntactic organization that reflect the distinct demands of real-time interaction and elaborated writing. This contrast is further supported by a keyness analysis of the most frequent speech-specific structures, which highlights patterns associated with interactivity, context-grounding, and economy of expression. We argue that this scalable, language-independent framework offers a useful general method for systematically studying syntactic variation across corpora, laying the groundwork for more comprehensive data-driven theories of grammar in use.

Lujun Li, Yewei Song, Lama Sleem et al.

Grammar refers to the system of rules that governs the structural organization and the semantic relations among linguistic units such as sentences, phrases, and words within a given language. In natural language processing, there remains a notable scarcity of grammar focused evaluation protocols, a gap that is even more pronounced for low-resource languages. Moreover, the extent to which large language models genuinely comprehend grammatical structure, especially the mapping between syntactic structures and meanings, remains under debate. To investigate this issue, we propose a Grammar Book Guided evaluation pipeline intended to provide a systematic and generalizable framework for grammar evaluation consisting of four key stages, and in this work we take Luxembourgish as a case study. The results show a weak positive correlation between translation performance and grammatical understanding, indicating that strong translations do not necessarily imply deep grammatical competence. Larger models perform well overall due to their semantic strength but remain weak in morphology and syntax, struggling particularly with Minimal Pair tasks, while strong reasoning ability offers a promising way to enhance their grammatical understanding.

Nicolas Zucchet, Jörg Bornschein, Stephanie Chan et al.

Large language models accumulate vast knowledge during pre-training, yet the dynamics governing this acquisition remain poorly understood. This work investigates the learning dynamics of language models on a synthetic factual recall task, uncovering three key findings: First, language models learn in three phases, exhibiting a performance plateau before acquiring precise factual knowledge. Mechanistically, this plateau coincides with the formation of attention-based circuits that support recall. Second, the training data distribution significantly impacts learning dynamics, as imbalanced distributions lead to shorter plateaus. Finally, hallucinations emerge simultaneously with knowledge, and integrating new knowledge into the model through fine-tuning is challenging, as it quickly corrupts its existing parametric memories. Our results emphasize the importance of data distribution in knowledge acquisition and suggest novel data scheduling strategies to accelerate neural network training.

Hanlin Wu, Xufeng Duan, Zhenguang Cai

Voice-based AI development faces unique challenges in processing both linguistic and paralinguistic information. This study compares how large audio-language models (LALMs) and humans integrate speaker characteristics during speech comprehension, asking whether LALMs process speaker-contextualized language in ways that parallel human cognitive mechanisms. We compared two LALMs' (Qwen2-Audio and Ultravox 0.5) processing patterns with human EEG responses. Using surprisal and entropy metrics from the models, we analyzed their sensitivity to speaker-content incongruency across social stereotype violations (e.g., a man claiming to regularly get manicures) and biological knowledge violations (e.g., a man claiming to be pregnant). Results revealed that Qwen2-Audio exhibited increased surprisal for speaker-incongruent content and its surprisal values significantly predicted human N400 responses, while Ultravox 0.5 showed limited sensitivity to speaker characteristics. Importantly, neither model replicated the human-like processing distinction between social violations (eliciting N400 effects) and biological violations (eliciting P600 effects). These findings reveal both the potential and limitations of current LALMs in processing speaker-contextualized language, and suggest differences in social-linguistic processing mechanisms between humans and LALMs.

Moumene Nadjet, Ghoul Chahrazed

Zumrud Babazada, Oluwaseyi Olubunmi Sodiya

This empirical study examines the linguistic challenges encountered by two sets of learners: Azerbaijani students acquiring English and overseas students acquiring Azerbaijani. A mixed-methods strategy was employed to collect quantitative data through survey from forty individuals (n=40). The Azerbaijan language group (n=20) and the English language group (n=20) had similar challenges in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing. Qualitative insights were derived from interviews with two language instructors, emphasizing concerns regarding pedagogical approaches, classroom social dynamics, and educator viewpoints. The research is based on Social Constructivism and Interlanguage Theory, which directed the analysis and shaped recommendations for addressing these difficulties.   Article visualizations:

A. Balaeva, Zh. Issayeva, L. Alimtayeva et al.

In the context of modern linguistics and teaching methods, studying the continuity of scientific approaches by outstanding linguists remains highly relevant. This article presents a comparative analysis of the theories and methodologies of two prominent scholars: American linguist Eugene Albert Nida and Kazakh linguist and educator Shamgali Kharesuly Sarybayev. For the first time, their works are analyzed in parallel to reveal common ideas and distinctive approaches in morphology, grammar, sociolinguistics, and language teaching methodology. Special attention is given to Nida’s influence on translation theory and its impact on Kazakh linguistics, particularly through Sarybayev’s methods for teaching the Kazakh language. The article highlights Sarybayev’s multifaceted role as a scientist, educator, translator, methodologist, and collector of folklore, assessing the significance of his contributions in light of Nida’s foundational work in descriptive linguistics, semantics, and intercultural communication. The aim of the article is to identify the theoretical and practical importance of both scholars’ ideas in the context of current linguistic and pedagogical challenges. Key objectives include comparing their methodologies, outlining similarities and differences, and evaluating their impact on linguistics and language education. The study employs comparative historical analysis, descriptive and content analysis, along with elements of discourse and cognitive analysis. A systematic examination of Nida’s and Sarybayev’s legacies provides insights into their contributions to global and Kazakh linguistics and reveals essential trends in the development of linguistic science and pedagogy in the 21st century.

M. Afaq, Tariq Mehmood PhD Scholar, Muhammad Ayaz

Universal Grammar (UG) has long been a foundational hypothesis in generative linguistics, proposing that human language is constrained by an innate, domain-specific cognitive system. Recent advances in artificial intelligence, particularly large neural language models, have reignited debates regarding the necessity and explanatory adequacy of UG. These models demonstrate remarkable linguistic performance despite lacking explicit grammatical representations, leading some scholars to argue that statistical learning mechanisms may render Universal Grammar theoretically redundant. This study offers a theory-driven empirical investigation into whether artificial intelligence genuinely challenges Universal Grammar or merely simulates linguistic behavior at a surface level. Drawing on Minimalist syntax, experimental findings from the generative tradition, and comparative analyses of UG-constrained and UG-violating structures, this paper argues that neural language models fail to consistently respect core grammatical constraints central to UG. The findings suggest that artificial intelligence does not falsify Universal Grammar but instead clarifies the distinction between probabilistic language modeling and human grammatical competence. The study contributes to ongoing debates at the intersection of theoretical linguistics, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence.

Durdona Ermatova

The growing interest in Uzbek as a foreign language necessitates effective pedagogical approaches for non-native learners. This article explores the application of inductive and deductive methods in teaching Uzbek grammar and vocabulary to foreign students. Drawing on second language acquisition (SLA) theory and empirical research, the paper compares the cognitive demands, effectiveness, and learner engagement associated with each method. It argues for a principled eclecticism that integrates both approaches based on learner profiles, linguistic targets, and instructional goals. The study aims to contribute to the development of informed methodologies in Uzbek language instruction for diverse international audiences.

Levan Khalvashi, Lia Gorgadze Gogratchadze

Introduction: The noun has traditionally been defined in linguistic theory, following Dionysius and subsequent grammarians, as denoting subjects or objects. However, this definition fails to account for the multifunctionality of nouns in actual language use. This study questions the scientific validity of the traditional definition and explores its philosophical origins, arguing that ancient metaphysical assumptions continue to shape grammatical theory.   Theoretical Framework: The theoretical grounding of this study builds upon the philosophical paradigms of Plato and Aristotle, whose metaphysical doctrines laid the foundation for ancient grammars. We examine how philosophical worldviews on the relationship between language, thought, and reality shaped the definition of grammatical categories.   Methodology: The research adopts a diachronic approach, combining textual analysis of ancient philosophical and grammatical works with comparative observation of noun usage in modern languages. Illustrative data is drawn from Georgian, English, Russian, and Turkish.   Results and Discussion: The study reveals that in many languages, nouns express not only subject meaning but also predicative, attributive, and adverbial meanings. The Dionysian definition, influenced by Platonic metaphysics, fails to accommodate this linguistic reality. Furthermore, the persistence of this narrow definition has been reinforced by logical traditions equating sentence structure with thought structure.   Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for a new theoretical model of noun definition, one that recognizes its multifunctional nature and moves beyond metaphysical assumptions rooted in ancient philosophy.

Tinara Candra Dewi, Wiwin Widyawati, Pryla Rochmahwati et al.

There is a wide variety of interrelated social media platforms. Gender orientation can affect preferences for language use in particular social media, especially Quora, which is famous as a medium for collecting questions and answers on specific topics. Breaking new ground, this study uniquely juxtaposes gender orientation with linguistic preferences on Quora, an unexplored research area. This content analysis design employed textual data posted by Quora users in the "Skilled English Writing" forum during January-March 2023. Following Lakoff's gendered language theory, women frequently employ hedges to indicate uncertainty, whereas men use boosters to express confidence. The language of women was characterized by greater formality and formal grammar, whereas men favored informal abbreviations. In addition, women utilized emoticons for emphasis more frequently than males. These linguistic differences result from complex social, cultural, biological, and psychological effects, underscoring the importance of gender and social factors in language formation.

Barış Can Aydın

This study aims to provide insights into understanding the theoretical background of the application of critical discourse analysis (CDA) in the translation of political texts in the field of translation studies. The study also casts light on the investigation into the ideological and discursive issues in translation through the use of CDA as well as political discourse and translation. CDA is crucial in understanding the role and significance of discourse in the translation of a political text without disregarding the literary sense, authentic style of the speaker in the target language, and rhetorical devices. In this regard, this study considers the case of a political speech to demonstrate the role and significance of CDA in the translation of political speech. For this reason, the study has selected the case of Donald Trump’s inaugural address for translation into the target language of Turkish by the study’s author through the use of a critical lens. Following a critical approach and Norman Fairclough’s (1995) model for CDA in the interpretation and translation of political discourse, this study aims to provide explanations and solutions to the difficulties encountered in the interpretation and translation of a political speech. Therefore, the comparison of the source text with the target text offered and discussed in this study helps to underline and raise awareness about the contributions of CDA to translation studies.

G. Ramchand

Within linguistic theory, the division of labour between syntax and the lexicon has been a central issue for debate among different architectures of grammar, roughly corresponding to the distinction between memorization and rule governed aspects of language competence. In this article, I give some historical context for these debates, concluding that differences in architectural assumptions are only resolvable ultimately if we are willing to allow these implementational decisions to have consequences for (and make predictions concerning) human behaviours or mental processes. I proceed then to assess the psycholinguistic evidence concerning the lexicon and processing from the cognitive science literature, and offer a reassessment of what this means for the linguistic debates that have dominated discussions of the lexicon to this date. My conclusion will be that some of the comfortable dichotomies often relied on in these discussions are untenable and that some of the classical positions need to be reevaluated.

Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai, Nguyen Thi Kim Luyen, Phạm Hiển

This study presents a comparative analysis of the inaugural speeches of U.S. President Joe Biden and Vietnamese President To Lam, utilizing Michael Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) framework. By examining the Ideational (Transitivity), Interpersonal (Modality), and Textual (Texture and Cohesion) metafunctions, the study reveals how each leader's linguistic choices mirror the distinct political and cultural contexts of their respective nations. Joe Biden’s speech underscores the urgency of immediate action and crisis management, employing Material Processes to stress the importance of unity and national recovery. Conversely, To Lam's speech is rooted in long-term nation-building and the leadership of the Communist Party, with a focus on Relational Processes to reinforce collective responsibility and national unity. The Modality analysis demonstrates Joe Biden’s use of High Modality to convey decisiveness and transparency, aligning with American expectations for solid and clear commitments. In contrast, To Lam emphasizes collective duty and the Party's enduring leadership, reflecting Vietnam's socio-political ethos. Additionally, both speeches use Theme-Rheme structures and lexical repetition to ensure textual cohesion, though their cultural and ideological differences lead to distinct rhetorical approaches. By deepening our understanding of how political leaders use language to shape identities, communicate visions, and influence public perception, this study contributes to the broader field of political communication, offering insights into the strategic use of language across different cultural contexts.

Md. Faruquzzaman Akan, Abdulrahman Almosa, Sharmin Siddiqui et al.

This research work sets out to explore the major distinctions between Arabic and Bangla—the languages with unidentical origins. Comparing and analyzing the various features of these two languages requires huge linguistic expertise in the respective fields as it is a most complicated job for anyone to accomplish. Arabic and Bangla are two of the leading languages of the world, specially in terms of their number of speakers and the growing demands. As Arabic and Bangla are from unalike families of languages, they differ a lot in the word class, grammar, pronunciation, usage and so forth. The sentence in Arabic is divided into two types: verbal i.e. V+S+C and nominal i.e. S+C; while the typical Bangla sentence pattern is inflexion-based i.e. S+C+V. Like any other vocalized languages, Bangla has eleven vowels, but Arabic has no such vowels since Arabic alphabet is considered an ‘abjad’ (i.e. ‘أبجدية’ /aːbʤadiah/) meaning a ‘consonantal alphabet’ and so the syllable is often formed without any vowels. Moreover, Arabic writing starts from right to left, whereas Bangla is from left to right. Despite all these differences, Arabic and Bangla have some similarities as well. For instance, they do not have any differences between the upper case and the lower case. Besides, Arabic and Bangla are phonetic and rhotic languages. Nevertheless, there are a few more minor differences between Arabic and Bangla. Hence, this paper is intended to provide the learners, users, as well as teachers of the two languages with some important facts and findings which are often faced in writing, speaking and translating.

Eleonora Lima

This article examines Levi’s treatment of eugenics in “I sintetici” and “Procacciatori d’affari” from Vizio di forma. The study builds upon Francesco Cassata’s analysis, which established that Levi held complex and conflicting views on the topic. These views mirrored his strong belief in avoiding limitations on scientific research while also revealing his ethical concerns. To further understand this predicament, the study reads Levi’s stories against the debate on eugenics that took place in England in the 1920s-1930. This debate engaged scientists and writers who significantly influenced Levi beyond this subject, including the Huxley brothers and Bertrand Russell. In this intellectual milieu, science fiction emerged as a favoured genre for exploring the intricate facets of eugenics and its ethical ramifications. By undertaking a comparative analysis between these antecedents and Vizio di forma, this study investigates how and why Levi turned to science fiction to articulate his conflicting thoughts on eugenics.

Harzat Abbas, Asif Abbas, Asim Iqbal et al.

This research paper investigates the exploration of trauma within Abdulrazak Gurnah's novel "Afterlives" (2020), examining the profound impact of historical and personal traumas on the characters, particularly the protagonist Hamza. The research adopts a qualitative research paradigm and incorporates primary and secondary sources to analyze the text comprehensively using trauma analysis theory. Literature, as a dominant medium, reflects human experience, with trauma emerging as a pervasive merged theme of stories of suffering and self-discovery. The examination explores treating trauma as a mere narrative device, revealing it as a tangible representation shaping characters' lives. Memories and nightmares in the novel are depicted as echoes of a haunting past, challenging Hamza's sense of self and resilience. The study concludes that "Afterlives" stands out as an exceptional portrayal of trauma in literature, emphasizing the long-lasting impact on the human psyche. Suggestions include a comparative analysis with similar works, an exploration of postcolonial perspectives in Gurnah's literature, and an examination of healing mechanisms portrayed in the aftermath of trauma. Ultimately, the research adds to a broader comprehension of literary trauma, emphasizing its relevance in shaping human experiences and promoting empathy, kindness, and solidarity in adversity.

Harish Tayyar Madabushi, Laurence Romain, Petar Milin et al.

Recent progress in deep learning and natural language processing has given rise to powerful models that are primarily trained on a cloze-like task and show some evidence of having access to substantial linguistic information, including some constructional knowledge. This groundbreaking discovery presents an exciting opportunity for a synergistic relationship between computational methods and Construction Grammar research. In this chapter, we explore three distinct approaches to the interplay between computational methods and Construction Grammar: (i) computational methods for text analysis, (ii) computational Construction Grammar, and (iii) deep learning models, with a particular focus on language models. We touch upon the first two approaches as a contextual foundation for the use of computational methods before providing an accessible, yet comprehensive overview of deep learning models, which also addresses reservations construction grammarians may have. Additionally, we delve into experiments that explore the emergence of constructionally relevant information within these models while also examining the aspects of Construction Grammar that may pose challenges for these models. This chapter aims to foster collaboration between researchers in the fields of natural language processing and Construction Grammar. By doing so, we hope to pave the way for new insights and advancements in both these fields.

Katrien Beuls, Paul Van Eecke

In this chapter, we argue that it is highly beneficial for the contemporary construction grammarian to have a thorough understanding of the strong relationship between the research fields of construction grammar and artificial intelligence. We start by unravelling the historical links between the two fields, showing that their relationship is rooted in a common attitude towards human communication and language. We then discuss the first direction of influence, focussing in particular on how insights and techniques from the field of artificial intelligence play an important role in operationalising, validating and scaling constructionist approaches to language. We then proceed to the second direction of influence, highlighting the relevance of construction grammar insights and analyses to the artificial intelligence endeavour of building truly intelligent agents. We support our case with a variety of illustrative examples and conclude that the further elaboration of this relationship will play a key role in shaping the future of the field of construction grammar.