scholarly journals Frequency patterns of semantic change: corpus-based evidence of a near-critical dynamics in language change

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (11) ◽  
pp. 170830 ◽  
Author(s):  
Q. Feltgen ◽  
B. Fagard ◽  
J.-P. Nadal
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Driving Mechanism ◽  
Semantic Change ◽  
Linguistic Item ◽  
Frequency Of Use ◽  
S Curve ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
Passage Times

It is generally believed that when a linguistic item acquires a new meaning, its overall frequency of use rises with time with an S-shaped growth curve. Yet, this claim has only been supported by a limited number of case studies. In this paper, we provide the first corpus-based large-scale confirmation of the S-curve in language change. Moreover, we uncover another generic pattern, a latency phase preceding the S-growth, during which the frequency remains close to constant. We propose a usage-based model which predicts both phases, the latency and the S-growth. The driving mechanism is a random walk in the space of frequency of use. The underlying deterministic dynamics highlights the role of a control parameter which tunes the system at the vicinity of a saddle-node bifurcation. In the neighbourhood of the critical point, the latency phase corresponds to the diffusion time over the critical region, and the S-growth to the fast convergence that follows. The durations of the two phases are computed as specific first-passage times, leading to distributions that fit well the ones extracted from our dataset. We argue that our results are not specific to the studied corpus, but apply to semantic change in general.

scholarly journals Investigating the Semantic Development of Modal Markers: The Role of Context

Clotho ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 35-53
Author(s):  
Tomaž Potočnik ◽  
Matej Hriberšek
Keyword(s):  
Language Change ◽  
Epistemic Modality ◽  
Semantic Change ◽  
Semantic Development ◽  
Modal Verb ◽  
Deontic Modality ◽  
Do So

The article tackles the problem of studying diachronic semantic changes of modal markers in Latin. It proposes to do so by using context as a proxy for tracing the development of otherwise unchanging forms. In the first part, the main theoretical positions in modality studies are presented, especially the notions of deontic modality, epistemic modality, and pathways of modality. In the second part, Heine’s model for studying the role of context in language change is presented and applied to the modal verb licet. In the case study of licet, an attempt is made to identify the so-called switch context which co-creates the conditions necessary for the semantic change.

De wervelkolom van taalverandering

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-385
Author(s):  
Freek Van de Velde ◽  
Jozefien Piersoul ◽  
Isabeau De Smet
Keyword(s):  
Language Change ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Good Explanation ◽  
Actual Practice ◽  
External Variables ◽  
Logit Function ◽  
Anniversary Issue ◽  
The Difference ◽  
S Curve

Abstract The spine of language changeIn his contribution to the 2005 anniversary issue of the journal Nederlandse Taalkunde, Fred Weerman remarked on the famous S-curve underlying language change, and claimed that a good explanation for this pattern is still lacking. We pick up the thread and assess what 15 years of research have clarified about the nature of the curve. We look at two aspects: the onset of the curve (also known as the ‘actuation problem’), and the sigmoid trajectory (known as ‘propagation’). For the actuation problem, we highlight the role of external variables, notably the role of cities in what kind of changes are more likely to occur. Higher urbanization leads to morphological simplification. For the propagation, we investigate the underlying mathematics of the curve, and its conceptual motivation. We argue that the lesser-known probit function is conceptually more insightful than the commonly used logit function, and marginally outperforms the latter as well, when tested on real data. The difference is so small, however, that in actual practice, the logit function, which is mathematically simpler, may continue to be preferred

scholarly journals Role of rift-inheritance and segmentation for orogenic evolution: example from the Pyrenean-Cantabrian system

2020 ◽  
Vol 191 ◽  
pp. 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolphe Lescoutre ◽  
Gianreto Manatschal
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sections ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
First Order ◽  
Segment Boundary ◽  
Orogenic Wedge ◽  
Mountain Belts ◽  
Two Phases

The Basque-Cantabrian junction corresponds to an inverted rift accommodation zone at the limit between the former hyperextended Pyrenean and Cantabrian rift segments. The recognition of an inherited rift segment boundary allows to investigate the reactivation associated with large-scale rift segmentation in an orogenic system. We use criteria from published field observations and seismic data to propose a new map of rift domains for the Basque-Cantabrian junction. We also provide balanced cross-sections that allow to define the along-strike architecture associated with segmentation during rifting and subsequent Alpine reactivation. Based on these results, this study aims to characterize and identify reactivated and newly formed structures during inversion of two rift segments and its intermitted segment boundary. It also aims to describe the timing of thin-skinned and thick-skinned deformation associated with the inversion of segmented rift systems. During convergence, two phases have been recognized within the rift segment (eastern Mauléon basin). The Late Cretaceous to Paleocene underthrusting/subduction phase was mostly governed by thin-skinned deformation that reactivated the former hyperextended domains and the supra-salt sedimentary cover. The Eocene to Miocene collisional phase, controlled by thick-skinned deformation that took place once necking domains collided and formed an orogenic wedge. At the rift segment boundary, the underthrusting/subduction phase was already controlled by thick-skinned deformation due to the formation of shortcutting thrust faults at the termination of overlapping V-shaped rift segments. This led to the formation of a proto-wedge composed of the Basque massifs. We suggest that this proto-wedge is responsible for the preservation of pre-Alpine structures in the Basque massifs and for the emplacement of subcontinental mantle rocks at a crustal level beneath the western Mauléon basin. These results argue for a first order cylindrical orogenic architecture from the Central Pyrenean segment to the Cantabrian segment (up to the Santander transfer zone) despite rift segmentation. They also highlight the control of 3D rift-inheritance for the initial phase of orogenic evolution and for the local architecture of mountain belts.

scholarly journals Driving Forces behind Language Change. Does Danish Theory Hold up in Lithuania?

2019 ◽  
pp. 241-272
Author(s):  
Loreta Vaicekauskienė
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Language Change ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Language Usage ◽  
Language Awareness ◽  
Comparable Data ◽  
Speech Variation

The paper presents a large-scale investigation of attitudes towards standard and dialectal speech varieties in Lithuania. It aimed at, firstly, obtaining comparable data on assessments of speech variation under two methodologically different conditions: ‘unaware condition’ (the participants being unaware of the linguistic goals of the research) and ‘aware condition’. Secondly, it aimed at testing whether the two layers of consciousness yield two different systems of social values and how the evaluations accord with changes in language usage. The theory was developed by Danish scholars whose numerous experimental studies proved the driving force role of subconscious attitudes. The investigation closely followed the Danish methodology and was carried out in 23 secondary schools in 7 regions and the capital city of Lithuania, covering almost 1.5 thousand pupils in total. The regularity of the findings, i.e. the overall tendency to overtly valorise local dialects but subconsciously to downgrade dialect accented voices, confirmed that language awareness affects assignment of values to language and must be regarded as an important explanatory factor for the scenarios of language change.

scholarly journals ArtsEqual 2015–2021: The challenges of a Large-Scale Research Initiative in Finland

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sari Karttunen ◽  
Pia Houni
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
System Analysis ◽  
Research Teams ◽  
Strategic Research ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Two Phases ◽  
In The Beginning ◽  
Changing Role

The article presents the ArtsEqual initiative, which is funded by the strategic research council of the Academy of Finland. The six-year project, funded from a sub-programme aiming to increase equality in society, is constructed on the visionary question: What if the arts were understood to be an essential part of public services? The project sets out to identify mechanisms and remove barriers that hinder equality from being established both within the arts and through them in society at large. The project is multidisciplinary and draws largely upon participatory, practice-led methodologies. It is carried out in six research teams and in two phases, the first of which consisted of numerous arts interventions combined with research. The conclusive phase that links the findings and experiences from the case studies together via qualitative system analysis started in the beginning of 2018. The authors are leaders of two of the research teams, and here they present the entire research initiative as well as exemplary sub-studies from their own teams. They discuss the research project and the preliminary findings in view of the changing role of the artist in society, a shared problematic between their teams. They also reflect on the advantages and challenges that programmatic funding may bring to artistic practices and research.

The Role of Sense of Direction and Other Factors During Navigation in a Large-Scale, Unconstrained Environment

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth J. Ploran ◽  
Ericka Rovira ◽  
James C. Thompson ◽  
Raja Parasuraman
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Sense Of Direction

Magnetic Properties of xCeO2•(50 − x) PbO•50B2O3 Glasses and Glass Ceramics

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 4486-4494 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.El Damrawi ◽  
F. Gharghar
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Properties ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Glass Ceramics ◽  
Magnetic Behavior ◽  
Crystal Formation ◽  
Dual Roles ◽  
Effective Agent ◽  
Ordered Structures ◽  
Essential Change

Cerium oxide in borate glasses of composition xCeO2·(50 − x)PbO·50B2O3 plays an important role in changing both microstructure and magnetic behaviors of the system. The structural role of CeO2 as an effective agent for cluster and crystal formation in borate network is clearly evidenced by XRD technique. Both structure and size of well-formed cerium separated clusters have an effective influence on the structural properties. The cluster aggregations are documented to be found in different range ordered structures, intermediate and long range orders are the most structures in which cerium phases are involved. The nano-sized crystallized cerium species in lead borate phase are evidenced to have magnetic behavior.  The criteria of building new specific borate phase enriched with cerium as ferrimagnetism has been found to keep the magnetization in large scale even at extremely high temperature. Treating the glass thermally or exposing it to an effective dose of ionized radiation is evidenced to have an essential change in magnetic properties. Thermal heat treatment for some of investigated materials is observed to play dual roles in the glass matrix. It can not only enhance alignment processes of the magnetic moment but also increases the capacity of the crystallite species in the magnetic phases. On the other hand, reverse processes are remarked under the effect of irradiation. The magnetization was found to be lowered, since several types of the trap centers which are regarded as defective states can be produced by effect of ionized radiation. 

The Impact of Quantitative Easing on Emerging Markets – Literature Review

e-Finanse ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 67-76
Author(s):  
Piotr Bartkiewicz
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Markets ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Quantitative Easing ◽  
Methodological Choices ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Methodological Approaches ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sufficient Precision

AbstractThe article presents the results of the review of the empirical literature regarding the impact of quantitative easing (QE) on emerging markets (EMs). The subject is of interest to policymakers and researchers due to the increasingly larger role of EMs in the world economy and the large-scale capital flows occurring after 2009. The review is conducted in a systematic manner and takes into consideration different methodological choices, samples and measurement issues. The paper puts the summarized results in the context of transmission channels identified in the literature. There are few distinct methodological approaches present in the literature. While there is a consensus regarding the direction of the impact of QE on EMs, its size and durability have not yet been assessed with sufficient precision. In addition, there are clear gaps in the empirical findings, not least related to relative underrepresentation of the CEE region (in particular, Poland).

Age Advantages of Emotional Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic are Robust, but Diminished Compared to Pre-pandemic Conditions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Sun ◽  
Disa Sauter
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Emotional Experience ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Selection Strategies ◽  
Scale Test ◽  
Prolonged Stress

Getting old is generally seen as unappealing, yet aging confers considerable advantages in several psychological domains (North & Fiske, 2015). In particular, older adults are better off emotionally than younger adults, with aging associated with the so-called “age advantages,” that is, more positive and less negative emotional experiences (Carstensen et al., 2011). Although the age advantages are well established, it is less clear whether they occur under conditions of prolonged stress. In a recent study, Carstensen et al (2020) demonstrated that the age advantages persist during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that older adults are able to utilise cognitive and behavioural strategies to ameliorate even sustained stress. Here, we build on Carstensen and colleagues’ work with two studies. In Study 1, we provide a large-scale test of the robustness of Carstensen and colleagues’ finding that older individuals experience more positive and less negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured positive and negative emotions along with age information in 23,629 participants in 63 countries in April-May 2020. In Study 2, we provide a comparison of the age advantages using representative samples collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We demonstrate that older people experience less negative emotion than younger people during the prolonged stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the advantage of older adults was diminished during the pandemic, pointing to a likely role of older adults use of situation selection strategies (Charles, 2010).

Legislative tools in the Czech watershed management policy

1996 ◽  
Vol 33 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 39-44
Author(s):  
J. Holas ◽  
M. Konvicková
Keyword(s):  
Watershed Management ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Farming System ◽  
Management Policy ◽  
Running Water ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Law System ◽  
Water Quality Regulations

Potential environmental impacts as a result of large-scale farming system in the Czech Republic have created a great deal of concern in recent years. This concern has led to several studies to identify the role of new regulations, directives and other legislative issues in the field of water pollution control. The set of legislative tools related to watershed management policy to promote better agricultural practices is shortly reviewed. The paper emphasises the running water law system amendment with respect to European community water quality regulations.

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