A Comparative Investigation of the Semantic Structure of Language

Autor:	Robert C. Hanson, Edward Rose, Zeke Little
Rok vydání:	2001
Předmět:	Structure (mathematical logic) Phrase Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous) Anthropology Semantic analysis (machine learning) Ethnic group Psychology (miscellaneous) Psychology Linguistics Word (group theory)
Zdroj:	Cross-Cultural Research. 35:303-342
ISSN:	1552-3578 1069-3971
DOI:	10.1177/106939710103500303
Popis:	The results of a semantic analysis of 20 languages established quantitative parameters intended to describe the semantic structure of language in general. Representative languages were drawn from nine different language families, both literate and nonliterate populations, ancient civilizations and contemporary nations and ethnic groups. Random samples of 100 word and phrase units were drawn from bilingual dictionaries. Each word was classified into one of 34 semantic categories. A reference guide to categories with codes and definitions and examples of coded words with the classification logic displayed are provided. Some major results are: (a) Words referring to activities of all sorts occur with the highest frequency in vocabularies (44%), mostly human activities (39%, 34% physical, 5% mental). (b) Various sorts of people (9%) and nature agents (7%) are involved in these activities. (c) The products of human activities (22%) are about equally divided between nonmaterial mental products and man-made material things.
Databáze:	OpenAIRE
Externí odkaz:	https://explore.openaire.eu/search/publication?articleId=doi_________::a0b0be2dd106aa80974d471b3566b0ca https://doi.org/10.1177/106939710103500303 Zobrazit plný text záznamu