An Introduction to Relational Network Theory - History, Principles, and Descriptive Applications - Adolfo Martín García
5. An RNT Approach to the Polish Genitive
An Introduction to Relational Network Theory - History, Principles, and Descriptive Applications - Adolfo Martín García
Adolfo Martín García [+]
Institute of Cognitive and Translational Neuroscience (INCYT, Argentina) and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET, Argentina)
Description
Traditionally, case has been variously defined when viewed from semantic, discourse-based, syntactic, or morphological standpoints which rely on static linguistic units. A Relational Network (RN) account can circumvent the limitations ensuing therefrom and provide an efficient, integrated description of this property of natural languages. This chapter illustrates the RN approach to case through a description of the Polish genitive. Eight different forms, related to numerous sememic roles with differing semantic function, communicate this case when appended to a nominal or adjectival stem. Varied Polish genitive constructions are illustrated and relevant syntactic relations of case are explained. More specifically, RN resources are used to represent the functional, formal, and lexotactic relations of the Polish genitive, leading up to two comprehensive diagrams: one of the meaning and form of the Polish genitive in general, and one of a sample lexical item, showing how it could be realized in any of the six cases of Polish. Accompanying commentary elucidates how parts of the system work together during spreading activation, leading to correct case assignment.