A cognitive-functional approach to the order of adjectives in the English noun phrase

Abstract

In this article we identify and motivate the main word order patterns of adjectives in the English NP. Theoretically, we situate ourselves within the tradition of semiotically-based, cognitive-functional construction grammars as developed by such linguists as Halliday, Langacker and McGregor. In this tradition, the lexicogrammar is assumed to exist to symbolize semantic functions. We argue that the various semantic functions of adjectives in the English NP are coded by different modification relations, which differ in terms of where and how they fit into the structural assembly of the whole NP. We hold that function motivates structure, and that order is an epiphenomenon of structure. Therefore, we first set out our model of the functions that can be fulfilled by adjectives in the English NP. This model is innovative in a number of ways. Theoretically, it extends the distinction between representational and interpersonal modifiers. Descriptively, we elucidate the traditionally recognized representational functions of classifier and epithet as well as the interpersonal functions of noun-intensifier and secondary determiner. To this set, we add the hitherto barely recognized interpersonal functions of focus marker and metadesignative. We also systematically investigate the possibility for coordination and subordination between adjectives fulfilling the same function. In a second step, we then correlate this functional-structural model with the general ordering tendencies of the functions realized by adjectives. We specify the general left-to-right ordering of the six functions, pointing out possible and impossible orders of the functions relative to each other. We interpret the distinction between representational and interpersonal modifiers with regard to their different ordering potential. Finally, we look at the main ordering options available for multiple adjectives realizing the same function.

The communicative function of adjective-noun order in English

“…Asher et al do share with the present study an appreciation for attested language-use data, yet they make use of a corpus while our data are not restricted to any particular corpus. Davidse and Breban (2019) work within a theoretical framework (cognitive-functional) that shares much with ours, particularly in terms of its being semiotic. They also, like us, rely on attested usage.…”

“…For Davidse and Breban (2019), interest lies almost entirely in the ordering of prenominal adjectives among themselves. They view the immediate post-nominal order (e.g.…”

Typologizing nominal expressions: the noun phrase and beyond

“…Case is normally marked once per phrase in Gooniyandi (McGregor 1990: 173-174 (McGregor 1990: 265) The second example is English, where the mapping between slot and word class is more direct, but nonetheless shows some flexibility. An approach in terms of functional slots provides deeper insights both from synchronic and diachronic perspectives (e.g., Adamson 2000;Breban 2009Breban , 2010Breban and Gentens 2016;Breban et al 2011;Davidse 2004;Davidse and Breban 2019;Davidse et al 2008;Denison 2010;Ghesquière 2009Ghesquière , 2014. For example, adjectives in English can have no less than six different functions in the NP, and the position of the adjective in the larger NP structure is different for each of these functions (Davidse and Breban 2019).…”

“…An approach in terms of functional slots provides deeper insights both from synchronic and diachronic perspectives (e.g., Adamson 2000;Breban 2009Breban , 2010Breban and Gentens 2016;Breban et al 2011;Davidse 2004;Davidse and Breban 2019;Davidse et al 2008;Denison 2010;Ghesquière 2009Ghesquière , 2014. For example, adjectives in English can have no less than six different functions in the NP, and the position of the adjective in the larger NP structure is different for each of these functions (Davidse and Breban 2019). Example (15a) shows the relative order of adjectives with a secondary determiner, epithet (i.e., descriptive modifier) and classifier function.…”

The Place of Interpersonal Lexemes in Linguistic Theory, with Special Reference to Functional Discourse Grammar

“…In their account of the structure of English NPs, Davidse and Breban (2019) adopt some important premises of SFG, first and foremost in drawing a sharp divide between "representational functions [which] are concerned with describing the entity referred to" and "interpersonal functions [which] construe speaker stance and speaker-hearer interaction with respect to the representational content" (2019: 332). In addition, this model has the merit of clearly distinguishing between linguistically encoded and language-independent conceptual meaning (see especially Davidse and Breban 2019: 328).…”