Litcius/Paper detail

What would it take for us to abandon Construction Grammar?

Thomas Hoffmann

2020Belgian Journal of Linguistics40 citationsDOI

Abstract

Abstract One of the hallmarks of scientific theories is their falsifiability, i.e. the fact that they make predictions that can objectively be proven wrong. Thus, it is paramount that researchers, including linguists, are able to state what kind of evidence would lead them to abandon their scientific theory. Yet, researchers just like all other human beings are susceptible to confirmation bias, i.e. the fact that they only seek evidence that supports their existing views. In this squib, I will raise the question whether Construction Grammar can become a falsifiable theory.

Topics & Concepts

FalsifiabilityGrammarEpistemologyUniversal grammarLinguisticsScientific theoryPhilosophyNatural Language Processing TechniquesSyntax, Semantics, Linguistic VariationLanguage and cultural evolution