Conspiracy of Form and Function for Optimization of Language Change

Author: Fukushima K.

Source: Journal of East Asian Linguistics, Volume 13, Number 2, April 2004 , pp. 181-196(16)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Formal and functional approaches to language have been at odds with each other for some time. However, this state of affairs is not constructive or productive. In this paper I will show that an ongoing morphological change in Japanese, ra-nuki kotoba 'ra-deletion language', initiated by functional motivation like economy (communicative efficiency), is guided and shaped most effectively by interacting formal (syntactic/semantic) properties of related constructions. Through the exposition in this paper I would like to demonstrate that there is nothing incompatible between the orientations of formalism and functionalism. The former provides descriptions and explanations for structural possibilities (or delimitation) of language. From these possibilities, certain forms are chosen (or preferred) over others for various purposes (communication, innovation, etc.) according to the principles and generalizations of the latter.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/B:JEAL.0000019116.81203.cd

Affiliations: 1: Kansai Gaidai University, 16-1 Nakamiya Higashinocho, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1001, Japan kaz@kansaigaidai.ac.jp, Email: kaz@kansaigaidai.ac.jp

Publication date: 2004-04-01