[Lexicog] lexical phrase

[Ron Moe]

One of the things we need to do to improve the FieldWorks program is to
enable it to interlinearize lexical phrases. We know that lexical phrases
range from fixed phrases all the way to complex clause fragments with lots
of variants. Sentences like the following illustrate the problem:

 

On the other hand we wore our washing machine out.

 

The phrase ‘on the other hand’ has the internal structure of a preposition
phrase but functions as a conjunction syntactically and semantically. It is
a fixed phrase in that it cannot be varied in any way. None of the
constituent words can be replaced or inflected and no other words can be
inserted in it. The phrase ‘washing machine’ is actually a compound noun. It
can be pluralized, but otherwise is fixed. The phrase ‘wear out’ can have
other words inserted in it and the verb ‘wear’ can be inflected. Glossing
sentences like this are going to be a challenge. Developing dictionary
entries for different kinds of phrases will also require insight.

 

In order to develop the interlinear capabilities of FieldWorks we need to
have a better understanding of the complexities and variety of lexical
phrases. Can anyone suggest things to read on the subject or guide us to a
bibliography. I would like to get into the literature but don’t know where
to start.

 

Ron Moe


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