MARKEDNESS Meaning and
Definition
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Markedness is a fundamental concept used in linguistics to analyze and describe the asymmetry or significance of elements within a given linguistic system. It refers to the notion that some linguistic units or structures are more salient or noticeable than others due to their deviation from a default or unmarked form. The concept of markedness is centered around the observation that in a linguistic opposition or contrast, one member is considered marked, while the other is unmarked.
In a markedness relationship, the unmarked member is typically considered the more basic or default form, representing the standard or norm of the language. The marked member, on the other hand, exhibits additional features or properties that deviate from this default form. These extra features may include phonetic, morphological, syntactic, or semantic characteristics.
Markedness can apply to various linguistic levels. For instance, in phonology, markedness can refer to sounds that are perceived as more complex or less common compared to other sounds. In morphology, it can refer to inflected or derived forms that deviate from the base or root form. In syntax, markedness can manifest in the form of word order, whereby certain word orders are considered marked due to their specific contextual or discourse effects.
Understanding markedness is crucial for describing and analyzing language typology, as it sheds light on the motivations and patterns behind linguistic structures and their distribution across different languages. It allows researchers to identify and explain the reasons for particular forms and choices made by speakers and helps generate insights into the cognitive and social dimensions of language.
Common Misspellings for MARKEDNESS
- narkedness
- karkedness
- jarkedness
- mzrkedness
- msrkedness
- mwrkedness
- mqrkedness
- maekedness
- madkedness
- mafkedness
- matkedness
- ma5kedness
- ma4kedness
- marjedness
- marmedness
- marledness
- maroedness
- mariedness
- markwdness
- marksdness
Etymology of MARKEDNESS
The word "markedness" originally comes from the linguistic field. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin word "marcus", which means "visible" or "noticeable". The term "markedness" was first introduced in linguistics by Roman Jakobson, a Russian-American linguist, in the mid-20th century. It refers to a concept used to describe the relationship between linguistic elements. In linguistics, a marked element is typically considered less common or more distinctive, while an unmarked element is considered more common or less distinctive.
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