Functional Linguistic Models: A Step Forward in the Study of Man

The paper considers the importance of functional model-ing of natural language and presents a comprehensive linguistic theory—Meaning-Text Theory [MTT], put forth in late 1960’s and aimed at the construction of functional models of language, or Meaning-Text models [MTMs]. The three postulates of MTT are sketched out, followed by a sample of linguistic representations of all levels that are distinguished; then a few rules from all MTM’s main modules are given. Two important linguistic phenomena are considered: paradigmatic and syntagmatic lexical choices, dealt with by using semantic decompositions and lexical functions [LFs]; LFs describe, in a systematic way, semantic derivations and collocations. A short characterization of a special type of dictionary, Explana-tory Combinatorial Dictionary, presupposed by MTT and underlying MTMs, is given. Two possible ways for the verification of functional models in linguistics are sug-gested: computer text processing and psycholinguistic experimentation. A conclusion: functional models of lan-guages may contribute significantly to the scientific pro-gress by allowing for a better understanding of human thought