Formulaic Language Sequences in Discourse and Narrative: Constructionist Approach

The article provides a review of the language theories in the cognitive perspective maintaining that formulaic
sequences are linguistic elements which are perceived as fixed and prefabricated wholes that can be retrieved
from memory at the time of use. The theoretical consideration that most fixed expressions are defined relative to
a certain conceptual framework also calls for special studies so emphasis is put on their functional and semantic
characteristics in discourse and narrative.
New developments in constructive grammar are used to design an approach based on the idea of combining
linguistic elements into complex expressions and to elaborate on the hypothesis that language is grounded in
language independent cognitive processes. The author highlights the possibility to broaden research paradigm
to study formulaic language units with the overall aim to deepen understanding of the role of procedurized
knowledge in discourse and narrative interpretation.
The article also demonstrates insights into what constitutes a formulaic sequence to determine distinctive
characteristics of such meaningful sequences. The author claims that formulaic sequences have different
pragmatic functions in discourse and narrative which are predetermined by their semantics and the context of
the situation. The use of formulaic language units in context is governed by pragmatic principles which assign
particular functions to these sequences. Pragmatic potential of the formulaic language units that is analyzed in
the article gives evidence to the significant role ready-made chunks and preferred sequences of words play in
language acquisition and production.