Constructional network at work:Co-shaping in interaction
With its progression in theoretical and applied linguistic studies,Construc-tion Grammar has become one of the mainstream linguistic theories.Whilst previous work in Construction Grammar has focused analyses on the form-meaning features and the evo-lution of specific constructions,there is a lack of research investigating constructional net-works,in particular the constructional links.Therefore,to examine the process of con-structional network formation and its features,this paper discusses the principles and mechanisms of the constructional network,contributing to the theoretical value of Interac-ting Construction Grammar.Based on the properties of constructions and Construction Grammar,the paper outlines three fundamental principles of constructional network:form-meaning pairing,empirical adaptability,and adjustment-change in constructional values,as well as three types of fundamental mechanisms:interaction,coercion,and feedback.The paper particularly discusses the multiple interactional ways in constructional network and the underlying motivations for constructional innovation and development.It is pointed out that constructional network is a dynamically adaptive complex system which updates and changes in the process of co-shaping in interaction.This interaction-and-co-shaping view of Construction Grammar could be generalizable beyond a particular theory.
constructional networkprinciplemechanisminteractionco-shapingcomplex adaptive systemInteracting Construction Grammar