It is one of the defining characteristics
of human languages that they show both universal and language-specific
features. This makes a research project focused on only one of these
two aspects necessarily inadequate, since it would be incapable of
illuminating the full nature of language. The Integrative Language
Sciences Section thus aims to explore both universal and the
language-specific features observed in human languages. We pursue this
goal through analysis of linguistic data provided by detailed
description of various languages, making full use of the latest
developments and findings in language sciences. We seek for shared
common patterns that can be revealed by allowable variations across
languages, as well as for the relevant factors or parameters which can
account for the rich diversity of languages found. In order to provide
a firm basis for our research, we also investigate both the
biological/cognitive bases which underlie cross-linguistic universals
and the social/cultural bases relevant to explaining language-specific
patterns. We aim to contribute to our common goal of understanding what
made it possible for human beings to develop language by addressing the
issue of what it is that we call human language.
Research
Projects
(2005)
- Koineization and language change
- A typological study of the linguistic encoding of
motion events
- Focus semantics, Wh-interpretation and plural
interpretation
- Universal and language-particular aspects of the
Japanese passive
- Contrastive studies in Japanese and Korean
- Advancement in Phonological Theory and Laboratory
Phonology
- Research on spoken discourse and grammar: Modality
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