The metaphorical bases of constituency and dependency

Imrényi, András (2022) The metaphorical bases of constituency and dependency. In: Word Grammar, cognition and dependency. Cambridge University Press. (Submitted)

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Abstract

The paper offers a cognitive linguistic analysis of metaphors informing the conceptualization of SENTENCE STRUCTURE. In line with cognitive linguistics, it is assumed that the construal of this highly abstract conceptual domain necessarily has a metaphorical basis. Accordingly, it is argued that key differences between alternative syntactic theories can be linked to the metaphorical choices they make. The paper begins with a critical comparison of constituencyand dependency-oriented syntax. Subsequently, it is argued that THE SENTENCE IS A BUILDING serves as the core metaphor underlying constituency analysis, whereas THE SENTENCE IS A FAMILY may play a similar role in dependency grammar. The final part of the paper discusses two instructive metaphors invented by the Transylvanian Hungarian polymath Sámuel Brassai, both supporting a dependency grammatical understanding of sentences, namely THE SENTENCE IS A FEUDAL SOCIETY and THE SENTENCE IS A SOLAR SYSTEM. It is argued that each of Brassai’s metaphors has its share of advantages, and may be of great service to DG in language pedagogy.

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