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Constraints on Language Variation and Change in Complex Multilingual Contact Settings
Edited by Bertus van Rooy and Haidee Kotze
[Contact Language Library 60] 2024
► pp. 255–286

Chapter 9
Conclusion

Cumulative insights into constrained communication

| University of Amsterdam | North-West University
| Utrecht University | North-West University

This chapter synthesises the findings of the chapters in this volume and takes stock of cumulative insights into constrained communication. It considers the effects of the individual constraint dimensions in respect of their consequences for different aspects of language use, including cross-linguistic influence (CLI), degree of complexity and explicitness, and norm adherence (or conservatism). It also reflects on the interaction of constraints and the implications of the framework for such a hypothetical construct as a constrained variety. Key methodological developments and challenges are outlined alongside a future agenda for the constrained communication research programme.

Keywords: constrained language, second language, translated language, language contact, usage-based model, communicative risk management
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Individual constraint dimensions
    • 2.1Language activation
    • 2.2Modality and register
    • 2.3Text production
    • 2.4Task expertise
    • 2.5Language proficiency
  • 3.Constraint interaction: Some further reflections
  • 4.Constrained varieties and languages
  • 5.Insights into method
  • 6.Future research
  • 7.Conclusion
  • Note
  • References
Published online: 20 June 2024
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/coll.60.09van
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