Academic Journal
Reps and representations: a warm-up to a grammar of lifting.
| Title: | Reps and representations: a warm-up to a grammar of lifting. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Esipova, Maria1 maria.yesipova@gmail.com |
| Source: | Linguistics & Philosophy. Aug2023, Vol. 46 Issue 4, p871-904. 34p. |
| Abstract: | In this paper, I outline a grammar of lifting (i.e., resistance training) and compare it to that of language. I approach lifting as a system of generating complex meaning–form correspondences from regularized elements and describe the levels of mental representations and relationships between them that are involved in full command of this system. To be able to do so, I adopt a goal-based conception of meaning, which allows us to talk about mappings from complex goals to complex surface outputs in systems of intentional action, signaling and non-signaling, interactive and non-interactive, in a unified way, and show how it applies in lifting. I then proceed to argue that the grammar of lifting is architecturally very similar to that of language. First, I show that both involve stable (idiomatized/lexicalized) pairings of regularized forms with regularized meanings. Second, I argue that in both lifting and language, meaning–form mapping is mediated by syntax, which, crucially, operates on non-linearized hierarchical structures of abstract objects that include both content morphemes and functional morphemes. I conclude, following and expanding on some insights from prior literature and offering further evidence for them, that neither of these architectural phenomena (idiomatized meaning–form pairings and abstract syntax) is specific to language, with both of them likely emerging in skilled action that does not necessarily involve social interaction, due to considerations of repeatability and reusability of elements in new contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Subject Terms: | *Grammar, *Linguistics, *Semantics, *Pragmatics, *Social interaction, *Language & languages |
| Copyright of Linguistics & Philosophy is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| ISSN: | 01650157 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10988-022-09372-z |
| Database: | Communication & Mass Media Complete |