Adapting a linguistic constructicon resource to L2 learners and instructors: a challenging endeavor

Abstract

We present the challenges faced and decisions made in creating the Russian Constructicon (https://constructicon.github.io/russian/) as a multifunctional resource. We focus on two crucial categories of target users, linguists and L2 learners & instructors, and show that they have somewhat conflicting needs and expectations. While linguists want a maximally comprehensive inventory and its description, L2 learners and instructors are most interested in strategic constructions as “shortcuts” for language learning explained in a clear and concise way.

Is it possible to create a design that would benefit both types of users? Or will the constant balancing between their expectations result in poor compromises, and the outcome product would still satisfy neither of the types of users?

We suggest that constructicon-building is a challenging process of constant change and calibration of both the content and format for optimal representation. In this talk, we will offer our solutions to three major issues: 1. What level of granularity is the most appropriate for representing constructions? 2. What constructions should be included in a constructicon-resource? 3. What format of construction representation is the most optimal for both types of users?