A Comprehensive Review of Change-of-State Constructions across Languages with a Focus on English

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.24343

Keywords:

Change-of-State, Syntax, Construction Grammar, English, Cross-Linguistic

Abstract

Change-of-State (COS) constructions reveal essential aspects of language, bridging syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Current research trends have highlighted gaps in understanding cross-linguistic patterns within COS constructions. This study addresses these gaps by investigating how COS constructions are encoded in English compared to Mandarin, Spanish, Hindi, and Russian, focusing on morphosyntactic structures and argument roles. The study involved analyzing documented linguistic data, employing Construction Grammar and thematic role frameworks to assess verb morphology, syntax, and argument structure. Key findings reveal both universal tendencies and language-specific differences in expressing state changes. These results enhance the theoretical framework for understanding language variability in COS expressions. This research underscores the significance of COS constructions in linguistic typology and proposes directions for further investigation, especially in underrepresented languages and alternative syntactic frameworks.

Author Biography

Tran Quang Hai, Hoa Sen University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tran Quang Hai serves as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Languages - International Cultures at Hoa Sen University. He is a linguistics and language education specialist currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Linguistics at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University (Hanoi). Mr. Hai holds a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Victoria University, Australia.

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Published

31-10-2024

How to Cite

Tran, Q. H. (2024). A Comprehensive Review of Change-of-State Constructions across Languages with a Focus on English. International Journal of Language Instruction, 3(4), 46–58. https://doi.org/10.54855/ijli.24343

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Section

Literature Review

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