Argument realization

Definition

Argument realization refers to the way in which the arguments of a predicate are expressed in a sentence. It focuses on how different syntactic structures can represent the relationships between verbs and their arguments, including the subjects, objects, and any oblique arguments. Understanding argument realization helps clarify how meaning is constructed through sentence structure and how different languages may express these relationships differently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Argument realization can vary between languages; for example, some languages may require an explicit subject while others may allow for implicit subjects.
2. In many cases, argument realization involves transformations such as passive voice, where the object becomes the subject and the original subject is omitted or demoted.
3. Different predicates may have different argument structures; for instance, transitive verbs require two arguments (subject and object), while intransitive verbs require only one.
4. The alignment of arguments with grammatical relations (like nominative-accusative or ergative-absolutive) affects how argument realization is manifested in sentences.
5. Semantic roles of arguments, such as agent, patient, or experiencer, influence how they are realized syntactically and help convey meaning effectively.

Review Questions

• How does argument realization impact the way sentences are structured across different languages?
  • Argument realization impacts sentence structure by determining how arguments related to verbs are expressed. For example, some languages may drop subjects in certain contexts, while others always require them. This variation means that speakers of different languages can construct sentences that convey the same meaning in distinct ways, highlighting how syntax reflects underlying semantic relationships.
• Discuss the role of argument structure in determining the possible realizations of predicates within a language.
  • Argument structure defines how many and what types of arguments a predicate can have, which directly influences its realizations. For instance, a transitive verb requires both a subject and an object to be complete. If a language has a specific argument structure for a verb, this dictates how that verb can be used in sentences, shaping grammatical rules and constraints that speakers must follow.
• Evaluate the significance of understanding argument realization for analyzing semantic roles in linguistics.
  • Understanding argument realization is crucial for analyzing semantic roles because it reveals how meaning is constructed through sentence syntax. By evaluating how different arguments are realized, linguists can determine the roles they play in conveying information. This analysis helps identify patterns across languages and enriches our comprehension of how people express complex ideas through varying grammatical structures.

Related terms

Predicate: The part of a sentence or clause that tells us what the subject does or is, including the verb and any objects or modifiers.

Argument: A noun phrase that contributes to the meaning of a predicate, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Syntactic Structure: The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language, which plays a critical role in argument realization.