The structure of the lexicon

In this book, the author attempts to combine the syntax-based structuring principles and resulting lexicon according to TCM (Two-Cycle Model of Grammar) (Alinei, 1980) with the more contemporary cognitive interpretation of the lexicon and mental structures of Cognitive Grammar developed by Langacker. He discusses such issues as nature/ types and ontological status of concepts, the nature of conceptual structure, and polysemy (as e.g. in Pustejovsky’s Generative Lexicon).

Next to a thorough overview of TCM, and applications to another lexical domain as well as to other disciplines such as Lexicography, Terminology and Translation, the book, furthermore, provides an in-depth comparison between TCM with a number of network models of the lexicon including WordNet, Fillmore’s Case Frames, Frame Semantics, and FrameNet, as well as frames in Artificial Intelligence (Minsky, 1974) and their application to Lexicography (Martin, 1994 and following).

The modified TCM model that emerges is then compared with Cognitive Grammar on the points of centrality of syntax vs. iconicity, generation of structures vs. inventory of ready-made structures, and transformations vs. links.


Marcel Thelen is a senior lecturer of terminology and translation and head of the School of Translation and Interpreting of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in Maastricht. He published widely on TCM, Terminology and Translation. He is also editor-in-chief of the Translation and Meaning series, as well as editor/co-editor of books on Terminology and Translation, including Terminology in Everyday Life and Meaning in Translation.