DYNAMIC SPIRAL MODEL OF LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (based on grammaticalization processes)

DYNAMIC SPIRAL MODEL OF LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (based on grammaticalization processes)

Author:  V.Y. Melikyan

Affiliation:  Southern Federal University

Abstract:  The application of the grammar methodology of dynamic language transformations made it possible to build a dynamic spiral model of the evolutionary language development on the example of a language system fragment (syntax), describing the specifics of the construction and development of language.
The proposed model is formed by a set of the following parameters of syntactic constructions: the number of grammaticalization prerequisites, the grammaticalization index, the effectiveness index of the grammaticalization prerequisites, and the number of syntactic constructions. These parameters form two development spirals of free and idiomatized (grammaticalized) syntactic constructions, that came from the same point, at the same time, they are located sequentially, partially intersecting on both axes. However, they do not overlap each other, but only adjoin each other. Both spirals are directed upwards, i.e. they are in a state of development. This allows us to consider the entire development process of a language system as a single one.
The specificity of the dynamic spiral language model lies in the simultaneous action on these two spirals of two oppositely directed forces (centripetal and centrifugal), representing the fifth, additional, most valuable, “controlling” parameter – the dynamics of grammaticalization. This, on the one hand, sets in motion the processes of development of grammaticalization and language as a whole, on the other hand, it balances the acting forces, allows the language to maintain a state of dynamic equilibrium. The correlation between these forces makes it possible to determine the stage/tendency of language development.
The grammaticalization process and language development occur in a spiral manner (both linearly and cyclically), and therefore characterize it as dynamic, constantly bringing the language into a new state. This makes it possible to visualize and explain the mechanism of language evolution, which is carried out in waves and in a balanced manner. This creates a safety margin necessary to preserve the language system in a state of communicative suitability.
The prospect of this study lies in the application of this model to languages of various types in order to establish the specifics of its implementation.

Keywords:  dynamic spiral model of language evolution, stadiality theory, grammaticalization.

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For citation:  Melikyan, V. Y. (2025). Dynamic spiral model of language development (based on grammaticalization processes). Voprosy Kognitivnoy Lingvistiki, 1, 36-51 (In Russ.).

Pages:  36-51