THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES OF USAGE-BASED CONSTRUCTION GRAMMAR

Construction Grammar is not a unified theory; rather, it comprises a set of grammar models primarily focused on describing the basic units of language - constructions. These linguistic units are pairings of meaning and form, linked through symbolic relations. Constructions can vary in complexity, ranging from atomic and substantive units to more complex and schematic ones, forming a continuum of symbolic units. This paper will examine the core theoretical assumptions of usage-based constructionist models. Usage-Based Construction Grammar posits that linguistic knowledge is shaped by experience, frequency of use, and cognitive processes. This approach provides insights into the syntactic, semantic, pragmatic, and discourse-functional implications of construction usage, as well as its relationship with the cognitive processes inherent in language learning and use.