Abstract
Abstract
This paper proposes an explanatory model for the lexical representation of the native speakers’ lexical knowledge
of English prepositions. Lexical knowledge of prepositions as relational predicates includes argument structure
(trajector-landmark) as in Cognitive Grammar, situation types (position vs state) as in Functional
Grammar, lexical hierarchies (spatial subdomains) based on semantic primitives, as in Natural Semantic
Metalanguage, and embodied perceptual parameters configured in four dimensions, namely, geometry, topology,
force-dynamics and function (from Cognitive Linguistics). This model is illustrated here by expounding three
lexical templates compatible with constructional templates in the Lexical Constructional Model, representing the
semantic decomposition of English prepositions at, on and in.
Publisher
John Benjamins Publishing Company