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Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities
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Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities

A special issue of Languages (ISSN 2226-471X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (16 October 2015) | Viewed by 51178

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Usha Lakshmanan

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Guest Editor
Department of Psychology (Brain and Cognitive Sciences Program) and Department of Linguistics, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Life Science II Bldg., Room 216, 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901-6502, USA
Interests: psycholinguistics; child first language acquisition; child and adult second language acquisition; bi/multilingualism
Dr. Osmer Balam

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Guest Editor
Department of Spanish and Portuguese Studies, University of Florida, 170 Dauer Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Interests: sociolinguistics; bi/multilingualism; language contact; second language acquisition; translanguaging; pedagogies in second and heritage language classrooms
Prof. Dr. Tej Bhatia

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Guest Editor
Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics (Linguistics and Cognitive Sciences Program), Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13224-1160, USA
Interests: bilingualism; multilingualism; hybrid linguistic systems; universal typology; forensic linguistics; language acquisition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the spirit of Robert Le Page and Andrée Tabouret-Keller’s conceptualization of languages as abstractions of what people do, this Special Issue focuses on mixed verbs (also known as bilingual compound verbs, bilingual complex verbs, light verb constructions or do-constructions). We use here the term ‘mixed verbs’ to refer to innovative bi/multilingual verbs, where, typically, an inflected light verb (free or bound) from one language, often ‘do’, is used alongside an other-language bare stem or infinitive/participle verb, which contributes the lexical meaning. While these mixed verbs have received scholarly attention from researchers such as E. Annamalai, Ad Backus, Tej Bhatia and William Ritchie, Penelope Gardner-Chloros, Pieter Muysken, and others, to our knowledge, no Special Issue has specifically focused on the investigation of these constructions, which are attested across continents and language families, in both monolingual and/or bi/multilingual speech.

A remarkable aspect of the human language ability is linguistic creativity—an inventive quality that is often associated in current scholarship with the emergence of Creoles and Mixed Languages. The manifestation of this cross-linguistic phenomenon, however, in bi/multilingual contexts where language mixing is routinely practiced, remains poorly understood (for relevant discussions, see the work of Osmer Balam; Bhatia and Ritchie). While there is substantial research that examines language mixing in the nominal domain, relatively less research on mixing in the verbal domain has been conducted. A central concern of this Special Issue is the exploration of the ways mixed verbs, as crucial nuclei of clausal or sentence structure, are integrated either in oral or written mixed discourse. Of similar importance is unraveling how bi/multilinguals across language contact situations negotiate, both synchronically and diachronically, the manipulation of pre-existing strategies in their languages and universal mechanisms to make optimal use of their linguistic resources.

We invite papers (either conceptually or empirically based) that further develop our synchronic and/or diachronic understanding of the innovative morphosyntactic, lexico-semantic and pragmatic features of mixed verbs, while also advancing our knowledge of bi/multilingualism in relation to concomitant social, linguistic and cognitive factors. We are particularly interested in the following issues:

  • comparative analyses of typologically diverse language contact situations (from an individual and/or societal perspective) where mixed verbs are used
  • the development and use of these innovations by different bi/multilingual populations, including children, adults, etc., individuals with language disorders (e.g., aphasia and Specific Language Impairment)
  • the processing of mixed verbs versus monolingual verbs (from the perspective of either human language processing or automated bi/multilingual parsing and translation).
  • the use of mixed verbs in public spaces such as billboards, advertising, as well as literature, social media, political speeches, and other naturalistic corpora

We are open to other related aspects and contexts as well and welcome analyses from different theoretical frameworks and approaches.

Prof. Dr. Usha Lakshmanan
Mr. Osmer Balam, Ph.D. candidate
Prof. Dr. Tej Bhatia
Guest Editors

 

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Languages is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. For the first few issues the Article Processing Charge (APC) will be waived. English correction and/or formatting fees of 250 CHF (Swiss Francs) will be charged in certain cases for articles accepted for publication that require extensive English corrections.

Keywords

  • code-switching/code-mixing
  • mixed verbs
  • bilingual compound verbs
  • light verb constructions
  • bi/multilingualism
  • linguistic creativity

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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263 KiB  
Editorial
Introducing the Special Issue: Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/Multilingual Communities
by Usha Lakshmanan, Osmer Balam and Tej K. Bhatia
Languages 2016, 1(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010009 - 13 Jul 2016
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4455
Abstract
In introducing this inaugural Special Issue for the open access journal Languages, it is important to understand the concept of linguistic creativity and how this relates to code-switching (henceforth CS)1, a common practice in bi/multilingual communities.[...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)

Research

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3950 KiB  
Article
Mixed Verbs in Code-Switching: The Syntax of Light Verbs
by Ji Young Shim
Languages 2016, 1(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010008 - 17 Jun 2016
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6508
Abstract
This study investigates word order variation in Korean-English and Japanese-English code-switching, with specific focus on the relative placement of the object and the verb in two contrasting word orders, Object-Verb (OV) vs. Verb-Object (VO). The results of an experiment eliciting code-switching judgment data [...] Read more.
This study investigates word order variation in Korean-English and Japanese-English code-switching, with specific focus on the relative placement of the object and the verb in two contrasting word orders, Object-Verb (OV) vs. Verb-Object (VO). The results of an experiment eliciting code-switching judgment data provides strong evidence indicating that the distinction between heavy vs. light verbs plays a major role in deriving different word orders in mixed verb constructions in Korean-English and Japanese-English code-switching. In particular, an explanation pursued in this research supports the hypothesis that parametric variation is attributed to differences in the features of a functional category in the lexicon, as assumed in Minimalist Syntax. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
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2286 KiB  
Article
English-Origin Verbs in Welsh: Adjudicating between Two Theoretical Approaches
by Margaret Deuchar and Jonathan R. Stammers
Languages 2016, 1(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010007 - 25 May 2016
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5476 | Correction
Abstract
In this paper we address the question of whether it is possible to compare two theoretical approaches to the same phenomenon or whether these should be considered incommensurable. We focus on two contrasting approaches to the identification of code-switching vs. borrowing by Poplack [...] Read more.
In this paper we address the question of whether it is possible to compare two theoretical approaches to the same phenomenon or whether these should be considered incommensurable. We focus on two contrasting approaches to the identification of code-switching vs. borrowing by Poplack and Meechan [1] and Myers-Scotton [2,3]. For Poplack the distinction is based on linguistic integration and for Myers-Scotton on frequency. We show how what is a definition for one is a hypothesis for the other, and vice versa. Overcoming this apparent incommensurability requires a theory-independent approach in which we define the unit of analysis as “donor-language items” rather than switches or borrowings. Using this unit of analysis in the analysis of English-origin verbs in a Welsh corpus, we examine the assumptions behind the contrasting definitions of CS vs. borrowing. First we consider whether it is possible to identify linguistic integration in an unequivocal, categorical way and secondly whether linguistic integration is related to frequency of usage. We show that the identification of linguistic integration depends on the test used and that both frequency of usage and listedness play roles in the integration of English donor-language items in Welsh. In this way we argue that we achieve a theory-independent approach and go some way towards overcoming incommensurability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
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437 KiB  
Article
Multilingual Language Mixing and Creativity
by Tej K. Bhatia and William C. Ritchie
Languages 2016, 1(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010006 - 16 May 2016
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 9174
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore a facet of bi/multilingual creativity in language mixing. The first aspect of creativity is driven by the consideration of formal principles, which fall outside monolingual or single language competence, e.g., [1]. The rule-governed [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to explore a facet of bi/multilingual creativity in language mixing. The first aspect of creativity is driven by the consideration of formal principles, which fall outside monolingual or single language competence, e.g., [1]. The rule-governed mechanism, which allows the integration of the embedded language verbs into the matrix language, is accounted for. This objective is achieved by employing two distinct data sets: (1) grammatical competence (intuitional data) involving the embedded lexical verb mixing in the Light Verb Construction in a variety of languages, particularly in South Asian languages (e.g., Hindi-English); and (2) an experimental data set that exhibits the relationships involved in the generative perspective through consideration of Universal Grammar. The underlying motivation for focusing on India is that language mixing constitutes a grass-roots phenomenon in India since the pre-Christian era; hence it is a stable and time-tested phenomenon which allows us to overcome key methodological issues in the study of language mixing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
1044 KiB  
Article
Structural Changes in Bengali–English Bilingual Verbs through the Exploration of Bengali Films
by Tridha Chatterjee
Languages 2016, 1(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010005 - 14 Apr 2016
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5741
Abstract
This paper investigates structural changes in the use of Bengali–English bilingual verbs through the exploration of Bengali film scripts from three decades: the 1970s, 1990s and post-2010. Previous research has shown that the increase in use of bilingual verbs, especially involving embedded language [...] Read more.
This paper investigates structural changes in the use of Bengali–English bilingual verbs through the exploration of Bengali film scripts from three decades: the 1970s, 1990s and post-2010. Previous research has shown that the increase in use of bilingual verbs, especially involving embedded language lexical verbs with matrix language helping verbs possibly results from increased bilingual proficiency. Over the past years, the use of English, including code-switching between Indian languages and English has increased dramatically in Indian society. Given this development, this paper explores film data to ascertain the extent to which the use of bilingual verbs, closely connected to code-switching and bilingual speech, has also changed diachronically in Bengali–English speech and if these changes occur from increased levels of bilingual proficiency. In connection with structural change, this paper also discusses the sociolinguistic factors that may be related to bilingual verb use. Results show a massive increase in bilingual verbs in the films post-2010, especially the ones involving English lexical verbs. Increased use of code-switching may have played a role in these changes and sociolinguistic factors related to the use of bilingual verbs seem to be less relevant now as compared to the earlier decades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
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2019 KiB  
Article
Code-Mixing and Mixed Verbs in Cantonese-English Bilingual Children: Input and Innovation
by Virginia Yip and Stephen Matthews
Languages 2016, 1(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010004 - 7 Apr 2016
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8382
Abstract
In both child and adult Cantonese, code-mixing is used productively. We focus on the insertion of English verbs into Cantonese utterances. Data from nine simultaneous bilingual children in the Hong Kong Bilingual Child Language Corpus are analyzed. Case studies show that the children’s [...] Read more.
In both child and adult Cantonese, code-mixing is used productively. We focus on the insertion of English verbs into Cantonese utterances. Data from nine simultaneous bilingual children in the Hong Kong Bilingual Child Language Corpus are analyzed. Case studies show that the children’s rates of mixing closely match the rate of mixing in the parental input, and that different input conditions influence rates of mixing. The bilingual children, nevertheless, show creativity, notably in inserting phrasal verb-particle combinations into a Cantonese frame. We argue that this is an innovation not derived from adult input. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
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352 KiB  
Article
Mixed Verbs in Contact Spanish: Patterns of Use among Emergent and Dynamic Bi/Multilinguals
by Osmer Balam
Languages 2016, 1(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010003 - 23 Mar 2016
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5371
Abstract
The present study provides a quantitative analysis of mixed verbs in the naturalistic speech of 20 Northern Belize bi/multilinguals of two different age groups (ages 14–20 and ages 21–40). I examined the relative frequency of Spanish/English mixed verbs vis-à-vis syntactic verb type and [...] Read more.
The present study provides a quantitative analysis of mixed verbs in the naturalistic speech of 20 Northern Belize bi/multilinguals of two different age groups (ages 14–20 and ages 21–40). I examined the relative frequency of Spanish/English mixed verbs vis-à-vis syntactic verb type and phrasal verbs in mixed verbs. Results showed that the token frequency of mixed verbs was a predictive measure of the relative frequency of ‘hacer + V’ in code-switched speech. In relation to syntactic verb type, it was found that the least productivity in terms of argument structures was attested among the youngest group of emergent bi/multilinguals. For the incorporation of phrasal verbs in mixed verbs, no marked differences were attested in the relative frequency of phrasal verbs across emergent and dynamic bi/multilinguals, but differences did emerge in the semantic nature of phrasal verbs. Findings highlight the fundamental role that adult code-switchers with higher levels of bi/multilingual proficiency play in the creation and propagation of morphosyntactic innovations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
325 KiB  
Article
From Colombo to Athens: Areal and Universalist Perspectives on Bilingual Compound Verbs
by Pieter Muysken
Languages 2016, 1(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/languages1010002 - 15 Mar 2016
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4652
Abstract
Most or all bilingual varieties of the languages spoken in the area between Sri Lanka and Greece have bilingual compound verbs, consisting of a lexical content verb from a donor language and a helping verb from the matrix language. In this paper, these [...] Read more.
Most or all bilingual varieties of the languages spoken in the area between Sri Lanka and Greece have bilingual compound verbs, consisting of a lexical content verb from a donor language and a helping verb from the matrix language. In this paper, these verbs are described and analyzed, and the question is raised whether this widespread occurrence is specifically an areal feature, or a universally available pattern and a question of typological poise—the possibility of a construction arising due to propitious typological circumstances. Pleading for the areal perspective, it is concluded there is the fact that two large and important language families—Turkic and Indo-Iranian—either rapidly developed or already had a productive [noun + verb] construction. On the universalist side, it is clear that native [noun + verb] constructions very easily develop into [verb + verb] constructions in bilingual settings, though not in monolingual settings. This is a cross-generational change that is a contact phenomenon; that is to say, this development does not occur in monolingual, non-contact language settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mixed Verbs and Linguistic Creativity in Bi/multilingual Communities)
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