From idioms to semi-schematic constructions and vice versa

Abstract

Taking as a starting point the spatial construction [SUB Vestar a un X{unit_of_measurement} de-PP{place_a}]: ‘the distance to PLACE A is exactly X{unit_of_measurement}’ and its metaphorical extensions within the so-called family of proximity constructions, the present corpus-based study aims to demonstrate the continuum between partially lexically fixed and fully lexically specified constructions (idioms) by highlighting the interaction between units of both kinds on the basis of horizontal and vertical links. Another important aim of this research is to explain the relationship between the spatial, temporal, modal-conditional and epistemic modality meanings observed in the proximity constructions. In contrast to the traditional phraseological theory, Construction Grammar represents an ideal framework for explaining the creative potential of idioms and for describing the different degrees of schematicity and entrenchment of constructions along the lexicon-grammar continuum.