cortical linguistics Kortikale Linguistik                    DEUTSCH

Günter Kochendörfer

Cortical Linguistics

Abstract

The mental lexicon, if we consider its function as a process, is a component which occupies a position between phonology/phonetics and the processing of sentences, syntax being too narrow a term to apply to this context. A certain phonetic/phonological preprocessing is required before lexical information may be applied, while sentence processing presupposes activities of the lexical component.

In acknowledging the special characteristics of mental processes, not intending to regard the lexicon as a demarcated module, various dependencies result, even occurring at different points temporally, and lexical processes are not to be separated from preceding and following processes. Nevertheless, it can be shown that structures which are considered lexical differ in character from those of phonology/phonetics and syntax. This, however, does not violate the general principles worked out in Part 2 "Foundations," which result from characteristics of the hardware structure of the brain.

Lexical structures have been discussed in various contexts. Even though conditions have been involved which are not easily defined as mental, these discussions may serve to gain insight into fundamental problems. A list of requirements can be compiled, which may prove useful for further analyses.

Clearly, common linguistic distinctions must be taken into account: a treatment of lexical forms and lexical meanings is required and the link between the processes of production and perception has to be explained. The relationships among such linguistic concepts as words, morphemes, syllables and the notion of a lexical entry have to be specified. Moreover, the representation of word category and syntactic information within lexical entries must be clarified.

Finally, it is important to describe the cooperation with other components of the language faculty. Proposed lexical processes are only acceptable if they can be incorporated smoothly into a greater context.

Last update 3/10/2004