7.1 Models

7.1.1 Simplify, Generalize, Apply

• A model is supposed to simplify the complexity of reality
• Explain and approximate reality as well as possible with as few concepts as possible
• These generalizations should be useful in
  • further research
  • practical application

7.1.2 Some Linguistic Models

• The linguistic sign (Saussure)
• The Lexicon:
  • a model of how auditory and visual stimuli are organized in memory
  • adds information about range of closely related forms
  • adds information about syntagmatic and paradigmatic relationships
• Prototype Theory:

7.1.3 Short and long vowels

Sometimes a certain way of describing a phenomenon sticks around even though it is incomplete and sometimes even false. An interesting example can be found in ‘long’ and ‘short’ vowels in Germanic languages.

• long vowels: /ɑː/

This is where it makes sense to think of it in terms of models.