Key research themes
1. How do frequency measures of linguistic units influence the modeling of diaphasic variation in morphologically complex words?
This research area investigates the critical role of frequency information—whether measured at the whole-word, stem, or conditional level—in shaping phonological and morphological variation observed in language use, especially in the deletion phenomena affecting coronal stops in dialects of English. Understanding which frequency measures best predict variation informs theoretical distinctions between grammar-internal representations and the influence of online processing mechanisms in diaphasic variation.
2. What insights do fluctuating asymmetry studies offer into morphological trait variability relevant to diaphasic variation?
Studies of fluctuating asymmetry (FA), which capture random deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry, provide a framework for understanding developmental instability and its manifestations in morphological traits. The variability and discordance of FA across traits have implications for modeling individual and population-level differences in linguistic expression, where parallel concepts of variability and instability affect diaphasic patterns.
3. What are the methodological challenges in measuring variability and genetic variance relevant to understanding diaphasic variation?
Quantitative and genetic variance estimation methods directly impact the understanding of phenotypic variability, including forms encountered in diaphasic linguistic variation. These challenges encompass assessing additive genetic variance and correlations, accommodating dimorphic traits, and mitigating biases related to fixed effects or small sample sizes. Addressing these challenges improves the fidelity of models explaining the genetic and environmental bases of diaphasic variation.