From data to theory: An emergent semantic classification based on the large-scale Russian constructicon

Abstract

The semantic classification of over 2,200 constructions in the Russian Con- structicon has emerged objectively from empirical analysis. The resulting semantic classification comports with and goes beyond frame semantics, revealing complex patterns of related constructions verified against corpus data and by a panel of native speakers. Our model of a constructicon can inform and complement existing approaches with additional findings. We detail our discovery procedure and the semantic relationships that link con- structions. While our methods and findings are based on a single language, they can serve as a basis for cross-linguistic comparison in the field of Con- struction Grammar and constructicography research.