ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-091-048 · ATLAS 251

Valency

The property of a word, especially a verb, to open up specific complement positions.

Explanation

The property of a word, particularly a verb, to open up specific complement positions. In the atlas, valency is explored as a relationship between form, expectation, and effect. It presents words as centers of possible sentence architectures.

Example

“geben” opens up positions for the giver, the thing given, and the recipient.

Counterexample

Any more detailed description is not necessarily valency-bound.

Distinction

Any further description is not necessarily valence-bound.

Effect on thought and perception

The concept presents words as centers of possible sentence architectures. This makes a linguistic order that was previously taken for granted perceptible as an active thought process.

Resonance

Resonance arises when valence is not only recognized but also experienced in its directional effect between expression, body, context, and interpretation.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Valency“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-048. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-048

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-048

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