Article outline

• 2.1Networks across disciplines: From sociology to cognitive linguistics
• 2.2Six characteristics of cognitive-linguistic network models
  • 2.2.1A declarative non-derivational network
  • 2.2.2A psychologically plausible network
  • 2.2.3A multidimensional network of form and meaning
  • 2.2.4A network along the syntax-lexicon continuum
  • 2.2.5A usage-based network
  • 2.2.6A network of socially conventionalised units
• 2.3The role of similarity in the network: Categorisation, schematicity and inheritance
  • 2.3.1The function of similarity relations
  • 2.3.2Multidimensional similarities
  • 2.3.3Similarities at multiple levels of schematicity
  • 2.3.4Representing similarity: Horizontal and vertical (inheritance) links
• 2.4Types of similarity relations and empirically testable predictions
  • 2.4.1Goldberg’s Surface Generalisation Hypothesis
  • 2.4.2Similar functions, different forms: Constructional alternations (or allostructions)
  • 2.4.3Similar forms, (partially) different functions: Constructional polysemy and homonymy
  • 2.4.4Partial similarities in form and function
  • 2.4.5A special case of functional similarity: Metaphorical links
• 2.5Empirical evidence for constructional similarity
• 2.6Summary and four theory-related questions
• Notes