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Leila Rahmati Nejad

Islamic Azad University North Tehran Branch, Foreign Languages, Adjunct

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B.A.: English Translation
B.S.:Computer Software Engineering
M.A.: General Linguistics
Ph.D.: General Linguistics

- M.A.Thesis: "Building a WordNet for Persian Adverbs"
- Ph.D. dissertation: "The study of Semantic Frames of 'Shodan' (to become) in Persian: Frame Semantics Theory"
Supervisors: (M.A. Thesis): Dr. Mir Nematallah Mousavi & Dr. Ali Reza Gholi Famian, (PhD Dessertation): Dr. Mostafa Assi, and Dr. Ali Reza Gholi Famian & Dr. Masood Gayoomi
Address: Vafadar Blvd., Shahid Sadoughi St., Hakimiyeh Exit, Shahid Babaee Highway, Tehran, Iran

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Journal of Language Research

University of Tehran

Behrouz Soltani

University of Guilan

Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Behrooz Mahmoodi-Bakhtiari

University of Tehran

Masoumeh Bagheri

Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

Abbas Azarandaz

Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman

Hasan Shabanian

Mohammad Rasekh-Mahand

Bu-Ali Sina University

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Papers by Leila Rahmati Nejad

The Optimality Theory Approach to"Partial Prefixed Reduplication" in Persian

Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is “Reduplication process... more Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is “Reduplication process”. It is a productive process in morphology. In this process, it is possible to repeat the whole or partial word (or base) and produce a new word with a different meaning. According to this method, the new part is added to the base which has the main role to determine its form and to repeat the whole or partial base in the left, right, and sometimes middle positions of the base. Also, this process can be divided into “Full/Total” and “Partial” reduplication in Persian. In partial reduplication, a part of the base not only does not possess phonological identity, but it also carries no meaning. It only adds concepts such as intensity, emphasis and categorization to the base meaning which is called “Reduplicant”. The partial reduplication per se is divided into “Prefixed and Suffixed reduplication”. With respect to the new definitions and studies in this field, “partial prefixed reduplicati...

Semantic Analysis of the Verb “Goftan” (to Tell) Based on Frame Semantics Theory: A Corpus Based Study

نابز مهم ياهدرواتسد زا يكي سانش ي يتخانش ، » يرظن ة انعم ِيبلاق يسانش « ) رومليف 1982 تسا ( نيا .... more نابز مهم ياهدرواتسد زا يكي سانش ي يتخانش ، » يرظن ة انعم ِيبلاق يسانش « ) رومليف 1982 تسا ( نيا . هيرظن تسا يتخانش يسانشانعم رد مهم يلصا رگنايب يم نايب هك يناعم دنك هژاو اه زا يماظن نورد كرد شناد م ي دنوش ف و يعامتجا ةبرجت رد هك .دراد هشير ناسنا يگنهر عقاورد هيرظن نيا رد رومليف ، كرد هژاو يانعم بلاق قيرط زا ار اه ره هك يياه هژاو ارف يم يم رسيم ،دناوخ دناد و » بلاق ييانعم ياه « ار شخب رگنايامن كي ياه م داديور ي دناد هعومجم هب تاملك زا يهورگ لاصتا يارب هك اعم زا يا هب ين راك يم دنور . زا اعفا ،يفرط هب ل مهم ناونع رد نابز ناكرا نيرت رتشيب تلاح اه داديور كي لامعا و روضح دنراد شقن انعم ريسفت رد و ييازسب يم افيا .دننك فده شهوژپ هركيپ ليلحت ةئارا ،رضاح و داينب يفيصوت يارب هزوح يياسانش بلاق و اه اه ي لعف ييانعم » نتفگ « ا بلاق ميسرت و يسراف نابز رد رد نآ يلص ةيرظن بوچراچ يسانشانعم يبلاق و گنهرف يتاقيقحت حرط يراگن » ميرف تن « ،فده نيا هب لين يارب .تسا اب هرهب گ ي ر زا ي گنهرف اه ، هركيپ اه رصاعم ي يسراف ناماس و ة ميرف تن 44 زوح بلاق و ه يانعم ي لعف زا » نتفگ « يسراف نابز رد دش يياسانش ،سپس ....

Applying Fillmore's Cognitive approach to determine Semantic Frames of Persian verbs: A case study of verb "šodan"(to become

by Leila Rahmati Nejad and ali famian

Language Studies (Zaban shenakht), 2022

Fillmore's "Frame theory" (1982) suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes ... more Fillmore's "Frame theory" (1982) suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge arising from the human's cultural experience. It maintains that "Semantic Frames" display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings. Verbs are present as the most important element in most of the situations of an event and play significant role in the interpretation of the meaning. The purpose of this study is to present a quantitative and corpus-based analysis in order to recognize the semantic frames of "∫odaen" (to become) in Persian within the framework of this theory. Thus, 14 semantic frames were recognized using encyclopedias, Persian contemporary corpora and FrameNet. Then, the concept of

Application of Frame Semantics to Teach Persian Vocabulary to Non-native Speakers

Springer Nature, Language Policy(Perspectives on Academic Persian), 2021

There are different approaches to teach a foreign or second language to non-native speakers in th... more There are different approaches to teach a foreign or second language to non-native speakers in the world of education. Learning vocabulary is the most important one within the language learning process; as a result, improving students' knowledge about vocabulary in a language has a priority in language teaching. Fillmore's Frame Semantics Theory (1982) is one of the newest methods in the field of Cognitive Semantics that utilizes frame semantics to teach vocabulary. It is believed that the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge arisen from the human cultural experience and semantic frames which display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings. On the other hand, verbs are the most important elements in events and play a significant role in the interpretation of the meaning, too. This chapter addresses the extent of appropriateness of frame semantics to teach Persian vocabulary to non-native speakers. To this end, we have selected the verb /∫odaen/ (to become) as a complex and controversial Persian verb and discuss its semantic properties within frame semantics to determine its senses and create a frame semantic model to be used for teaching.

The Optimality Theory Approach to "Partial Prefixed Reduplication" in Persian

Zaban Pazhuhi (Journal of Language Research), 2020

Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is "Redu-plication proces... more Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is "Redu-plication process". It is a productive process in morphology. In this process, it is possible to repeat the whole or partial word (or base) and produce a new word with a different meaning. According to this method, the new part is added to the base which has the main role to determine its form and to repeat the whole or partial base in the left, right, and sometimes middle positions of the base. Also, this process can be divided into "Full/Total" and "Partial" reduplication in Persian. In partial redupli-cation, a part of the base not only does not possess phonological identity, but it also carries no meaning. It only adds concepts such as intensity, emphasis and categori-zation to the base meaning which is called "Reduplicant". The partial reduplication per se is divided into "Prefixed and Suffixed reduplication". With respect to the new definitions and studies in this field, "partial prefixed reduplication" is classified into three groups in Persian: 1. In the first type, the last phoneme of the base is deleted and the modified form precedes the base, like: (nâ nâz) ‫,ناناز‬ (gol goli) ‫گلی‬ ‫,گل‬ (dae daer)‫ددر‬ 2. In the second type, the base first consonant is reduplicated with the fixed half-syllable before the base, such as: (caet-o coloft) ‫کت‬ ، ‫وکلفت‬ (paet-o paehn) ، ‫پ‬ ‫و‬ ‫پ‬ ‫هن‬ (Ɂâl-o Ɂâdʒil) ‫آل‬ ‫وآجیل‬ 3. In the third type, the base first consonant is reduplicated with a fixed part (to-gether with a section which is constantly fixed, for example: (veleng-o vâz/bâz) ‫واز‬ ‫و‬ ‫,ولنگ‬ / ‫باز‬ (∫aelaem ∫urvâ/∫urbâ) ‫شوروا‬ ‫,شلم‬ / ‫شوربا‬ (zaelaem zimbo) ‫زلتم‬ ‫زیمبو‬ After introducing different kinds of reduplication process in Persian, this article studied the partial prefixed reduplication based on the standard version of "Opti-mality Theory" that is called "Correspondence Theory". In fact, it aims at investigating this process towards incorporating Persian to the new theory in "Generative Grammar". So, the main question targeted by the study is:-Can we describe the "Partial prefixed reduplication process" in Persian based on "Correspondence Theory" (the standard version of Optimality Theory)? To answer this question, first, we should be familiar with Optimality and Correspondence Theories. Optimality Theory which was first established through intro

A Generative Approach to the Morphophonemics of "Zargari Secret Language" among Farsi Speakers of Old Tehran

by Leila Rahmati Nejad and Aliyeh Kord-e Zafaranlu Kambuziya

The Academy of Persian Language and Literature(Iranian Languages and Dialects), 2019

Zargari is a secret language commonly used among Persian-speaking families in Tehran. The presen... more Zargari is a secret language commonly used among Persian-speaking
families in Tehran. The present paper aims to describe and analyze Zargari
secret language within the framework of the generative approach. Evidently
Zargari is a natural language with frequent manipulation of repetition and
vowel harmony in the syllables. The manipulation in Zargari consists in the
insertion of a ZV-syllable within the syllabic pattern of the words.

Semantic Analysis of the Verb “Goftan” (to Tell) Based on Frame Semantics Theory: A Corpus Based Study

Language Related Research(Tarbiat Modares University), 2019

The movement of “Cognitive Semantics” appears against the independence of the syntax from lexica... more The movement of “Cognitive Semantics” appears against the independence of the syntax from lexical domain and calls into question the semantics being peripheral as it is mentioned in Chomsky's (1982) “Generative theory”. In this regard, Fillmore's (1982) “Frame Semantics theory” is one of the major achievements of cognitive semantics. In this theory Fillmore states that understanding the meanings of words is possible through frames that each word calls for. He also maintains that “Semantic Frames” display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings and the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge arising from the human's social and cultural experience. In fact, the difference between Frame Semantics with other lexico semantic hypotheses is its emphasis on the background knowledge based on which the meaning of words can be interpreted (Fillmore & Atkins, 1992, 1994, 2000; Fillmore & Baker, 2010). Also, the “FrameNet Project” is a Corpus-based study based on Fillmore's theory (Fillmore, et al., 2003). It is a lexicographic research project housed and administered at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California. In this system, the meaning of words can be understood on the basis of semantic frames that are mental concepts. On the other hand, verbs are present as the most important element in most of the situations of an event and play significant role in the interpretation of the meaning; thus, working on it is a useful idea.
The purpose of this study is to present a quantitative and corpus-based analysis in order to recognize the semantic domains and frames of the verb “Goftan” (to Tell) in Persian and sketch its main frame within the framework of Frame Semantics theory and the fact-finding model of FrameNet lexicography. In fact, it attempts to investigate what Fillmore and his colleagues did in English FrameNet and others in different languages as well as in the domain of Frame Semantics to be considered in Persian too. So, the main questions of this study are:

What are the semantic domains and frames of the verb “Goftan” (to Tell) in Persian based on the major concepts of Frame Semantics theory and FrameNet?
Is it possible to design the main semantic frame of the verb “Goftan” (to Tell) in Persian?

To answer these questions, the authors investigate the background of studies and introduce Frame semantics theory and FrameNet lexicography. Then, they tried to be familiar with the verb “Goftan” and it’s frequency in Persian based on Persian Language Database (PLDB). To this end, 44 semantic domains and frames of the verb “Goftan” were recognized using encyclopedias, Persian contemporary corpora and FrameNet database. Then, the concept of “bar zabân Ɂâvardan va bayân kardan” (to express) was determined as the main meaning and prototype of this verb and for the first time its “Radial category” the authors sketched. Finally, the main frame of “Goftan” was created using principles and concepts proposed in Fillmore's Frame Semantics theory

Frame Semantics: Applying FrameNet Principles to " Touring " and " Travel " Semantic Frames in Persian

by Leila Rahmati Nejad and Ali Safari

Biannual Journal of Applications of Language Studies (Hazrat-e Masoumeh University), 2017

In this study " Touring " and " Travel " semantic frames are studied considering the principles o... more In this study " Touring " and " Travel " semantic frames are studied considering the principles of FrameNet and it is taken as first step to build Persian FrameNet. The " FrameNet " is a corpus-based project housed at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California by Charles J. Fillmore which is built based on the theory of Frame Semantics. In this system, the meaning of words can be understood on the basis of semantic frames which are mental encyclopedic concepts. A " Semantic Frame " which is evoked by lexical items, is a description of a type of event, relation, or entity and participants in the event. In this paper, description of frame elements and examples were presented based on the realization of the standard Persian language. Lexical Units related to the frames of " Touring " and " Travel " were drawn from the two-volume Sokhan encyclopedia (Anvari, 2003) and Persian synonyms & antonyms dictionary (Khodaparasti, 1997). Furthermore, the section devoted to marked texts was completed with case sentences exerted from Google. The results showed that following Khavari (2013) and Nayebluy et al. (2015), building a Persian FrameNet is a workable idea.

Consonant-to-Consonant Assimilation in Damavandi Dialect: The Theory of Feature Geometry

Journal of Iranian Languages Linguistics (Shiraz University), 2016

This research is an investigation of the consonant-to-consonant assimilation within the framework... more This research is an investigation of the consonant-to-consonant assimilation within the framework of geometry of phonological features (Clements, 1985; McCarthy,1988 and Clements & Hume, 1995) in one of the dialects in Tehran Province known as Damavandi. The theory of feature geometry is concerned with the way different distinguishing features get organized in accordance with phonological rules. The research question is whether we can elucidate the process of consonant-to-consonant assimilation within the framework of the above-mentioned theory. To find an answer, questionnaires were given to dialect users and the data in relevant books and dissertations were gathered; thence, 6oo pieces of data were collected. After proposing the theory and considering an appropriate research method, the data was analyzed. The analysis of each of the assimilations was dealt with via the following process: the frequency among the data was specified, tabular presentation of the sample frequency was provided, one sample was adopted as an example, the two hypotheses were examined to determine the deep structures, the linear form of the confirmed hypothesis was proposed, and lastly the sample non-linear presentation was displayed through phonological features. This study indicates that the consonant-to-consonant assimilation process in Damavandi dialect can be elucidated within the framework of the theory of feature geometry.

Conference Presentations by Leila Rahmati Nejad

Comparing Semantic frames of the verb "Goftan" (to Tell) in both English and Persian languages Based on Fillmore's Cognitive theory

The 5th National Conference on Computational Linguistics (2019) ,Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies,Tehran,Iran., 2019

Fillmore's Frame theory" suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes the mean... more Fillmore's Frame theory" suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge. It maintains that "Semantic Frames" display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings. Verbs are present as the most important element in most of the situations of an event and play significant r ole in the interpretation of the meaning. This study aims at comparing the semantic frames of the verb "Goftan" in both English and Persian, presenting a corpus-based and quantitative analysis for recognizing its scopes and semantic frames in Persian. 44 semantic domains and frames of "Goftan" have been recognized in Persian using some contemporary encyclopedia and corpora in addition to introducing frames in the FrameNet. Then, the concept of "bar zabân Ɂâvardan va bayân kardan" was determined as the main meaning and the frame was created.

Building a WordNet for Persian Adverbs

The 3rd Conference on Computational Linguistics (2014) ,Sharif University ,Tehran,Iran., 2014

Cognitive Approaches to Grammar :Theories and Concepts

First National Congress on new researches in Cognitive Psychology (Brain and Cognition), (2017),Gilan University, Iran.

Frame Semantics: The study of “Touring” and “Travel” Semantic Frames in Persian

The seventh International Conference of Cognitive Science (ICCS-2017) ,Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS),Tehran, Iran.

The study of “Travel” Semantic Frame in Persian:Frame Semantics theory

First National Congress on new researches in Cognitive Psychology (Brain and Cognition),(2017),Gilan University, Iran.

The Optimality Theory Approach to"Partial Prefixed Reduplication" in Persian

Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is “Reduplication process... more Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is “Reduplication process”. It is a productive process in morphology. In this process, it is possible to repeat the whole or partial word (or base) and produce a new word with a different meaning. According to this method, the new part is added to the base which has the main role to determine its form and to repeat the whole or partial base in the left, right, and sometimes middle positions of the base. Also, this process can be divided into “Full/Total” and “Partial” reduplication in Persian. In partial reduplication, a part of the base not only does not possess phonological identity, but it also carries no meaning. It only adds concepts such as intensity, emphasis and categorization to the base meaning which is called “Reduplicant”. The partial reduplication per se is divided into “Prefixed and Suffixed reduplication”. With respect to the new definitions and studies in this field, “partial prefixed reduplicati...

Semantic Analysis of the Verb “Goftan” (to Tell) Based on Frame Semantics Theory: A Corpus Based Study

نابز مهم ياهدرواتسد زا يكي سانش ي يتخانش ، » يرظن ة انعم ِيبلاق يسانش « ) رومليف 1982 تسا ( نيا .... more نابز مهم ياهدرواتسد زا يكي سانش ي يتخانش ، » يرظن ة انعم ِيبلاق يسانش « ) رومليف 1982 تسا ( نيا . هيرظن تسا يتخانش يسانشانعم رد مهم يلصا رگنايب يم نايب هك يناعم دنك هژاو اه زا يماظن نورد كرد شناد م ي دنوش ف و يعامتجا ةبرجت رد هك .دراد هشير ناسنا يگنهر عقاورد هيرظن نيا رد رومليف ، كرد هژاو يانعم بلاق قيرط زا ار اه ره هك يياه هژاو ارف يم يم رسيم ،دناوخ دناد و » بلاق ييانعم ياه « ار شخب رگنايامن كي ياه م داديور ي دناد هعومجم هب تاملك زا يهورگ لاصتا يارب هك اعم زا يا هب ين راك يم دنور . زا اعفا ،يفرط هب ل مهم ناونع رد نابز ناكرا نيرت رتشيب تلاح اه داديور كي لامعا و روضح دنراد شقن انعم ريسفت رد و ييازسب يم افيا .دننك فده شهوژپ هركيپ ليلحت ةئارا ،رضاح و داينب يفيصوت يارب هزوح يياسانش بلاق و اه اه ي لعف ييانعم » نتفگ « ا بلاق ميسرت و يسراف نابز رد رد نآ يلص ةيرظن بوچراچ يسانشانعم يبلاق و گنهرف يتاقيقحت حرط يراگن » ميرف تن « ،فده نيا هب لين يارب .تسا اب هرهب گ ي ر زا ي گنهرف اه ، هركيپ اه رصاعم ي يسراف ناماس و ة ميرف تن 44 زوح بلاق و ه يانعم ي لعف زا » نتفگ « يسراف نابز رد دش يياسانش ،سپس ....

Applying Fillmore's Cognitive approach to determine Semantic Frames of Persian verbs: A case study of verb "šodan"(to become

by Leila Rahmati Nejad and ali famian

Language Studies (Zaban shenakht), 2022

Fillmore's "Frame theory" (1982) suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes ... more Fillmore's "Frame theory" (1982) suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge arising from the human's cultural experience. It maintains that "Semantic Frames" display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings. Verbs are present as the most important element in most of the situations of an event and play significant role in the interpretation of the meaning. The purpose of this study is to present a quantitative and corpus-based analysis in order to recognize the semantic frames of "∫odaen" (to become) in Persian within the framework of this theory. Thus, 14 semantic frames were recognized using encyclopedias, Persian contemporary corpora and FrameNet. Then, the concept of

Application of Frame Semantics to Teach Persian Vocabulary to Non-native Speakers

Springer Nature, Language Policy(Perspectives on Academic Persian), 2021

There are different approaches to teach a foreign or second language to non-native speakers in th... more There are different approaches to teach a foreign or second language to non-native speakers in the world of education. Learning vocabulary is the most important one within the language learning process; as a result, improving students' knowledge about vocabulary in a language has a priority in language teaching. Fillmore's Frame Semantics Theory (1982) is one of the newest methods in the field of Cognitive Semantics that utilizes frame semantics to teach vocabulary. It is believed that the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge arisen from the human cultural experience and semantic frames which display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings. On the other hand, verbs are the most important elements in events and play a significant role in the interpretation of the meaning, too. This chapter addresses the extent of appropriateness of frame semantics to teach Persian vocabulary to non-native speakers. To this end, we have selected the verb /∫odaen/ (to become) as a complex and controversial Persian verb and discuss its semantic properties within frame semantics to determine its senses and create a frame semantic model to be used for teaching.

The Optimality Theory Approach to "Partial Prefixed Reduplication" in Persian

Zaban Pazhuhi (Journal of Language Research), 2020

Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is "Redu-plication proces... more Each language uses different ways to create a new word. One of the ways is "Redu-plication process". It is a productive process in morphology. In this process, it is possible to repeat the whole or partial word (or base) and produce a new word with a different meaning. According to this method, the new part is added to the base which has the main role to determine its form and to repeat the whole or partial base in the left, right, and sometimes middle positions of the base. Also, this process can be divided into "Full/Total" and "Partial" reduplication in Persian. In partial redupli-cation, a part of the base not only does not possess phonological identity, but it also carries no meaning. It only adds concepts such as intensity, emphasis and categori-zation to the base meaning which is called "Reduplicant". The partial reduplication per se is divided into "Prefixed and Suffixed reduplication". With respect to the new definitions and studies in this field, "partial prefixed reduplication" is classified into three groups in Persian: 1. In the first type, the last phoneme of the base is deleted and the modified form precedes the base, like: (nâ nâz) ‫,ناناز‬ (gol goli) ‫گلی‬ ‫,گل‬ (dae daer)‫ددر‬ 2. In the second type, the base first consonant is reduplicated with the fixed half-syllable before the base, such as: (caet-o coloft) ‫کت‬ ، ‫وکلفت‬ (paet-o paehn) ، ‫پ‬ ‫و‬ ‫پ‬ ‫هن‬ (Ɂâl-o Ɂâdʒil) ‫آل‬ ‫وآجیل‬ 3. In the third type, the base first consonant is reduplicated with a fixed part (to-gether with a section which is constantly fixed, for example: (veleng-o vâz/bâz) ‫واز‬ ‫و‬ ‫,ولنگ‬ / ‫باز‬ (∫aelaem ∫urvâ/∫urbâ) ‫شوروا‬ ‫,شلم‬ / ‫شوربا‬ (zaelaem zimbo) ‫زلتم‬ ‫زیمبو‬ After introducing different kinds of reduplication process in Persian, this article studied the partial prefixed reduplication based on the standard version of "Opti-mality Theory" that is called "Correspondence Theory". In fact, it aims at investigating this process towards incorporating Persian to the new theory in "Generative Grammar". So, the main question targeted by the study is:-Can we describe the "Partial prefixed reduplication process" in Persian based on "Correspondence Theory" (the standard version of Optimality Theory)? To answer this question, first, we should be familiar with Optimality and Correspondence Theories. Optimality Theory which was first established through intro

A Generative Approach to the Morphophonemics of "Zargari Secret Language" among Farsi Speakers of Old Tehran

by Leila Rahmati Nejad and Aliyeh Kord-e Zafaranlu Kambuziya

The Academy of Persian Language and Literature(Iranian Languages and Dialects), 2019

Zargari is a secret language commonly used among Persian-speaking families in Tehran. The presen... more Zargari is a secret language commonly used among Persian-speaking
families in Tehran. The present paper aims to describe and analyze Zargari
secret language within the framework of the generative approach. Evidently
Zargari is a natural language with frequent manipulation of repetition and
vowel harmony in the syllables. The manipulation in Zargari consists in the
insertion of a ZV-syllable within the syllabic pattern of the words.

Semantic Analysis of the Verb “Goftan” (to Tell) Based on Frame Semantics Theory: A Corpus Based Study

Language Related Research(Tarbiat Modares University), 2019

The movement of “Cognitive Semantics” appears against the independence of the syntax from lexica... more The movement of “Cognitive Semantics” appears against the independence of the syntax from lexical domain and calls into question the semantics being peripheral as it is mentioned in Chomsky's (1982) “Generative theory”. In this regard, Fillmore's (1982) “Frame Semantics theory” is one of the major achievements of cognitive semantics. In this theory Fillmore states that understanding the meanings of words is possible through frames that each word calls for. He also maintains that “Semantic Frames” display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings and the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge arising from the human's social and cultural experience. In fact, the difference between Frame Semantics with other lexico semantic hypotheses is its emphasis on the background knowledge based on which the meaning of words can be interpreted (Fillmore & Atkins, 1992, 1994, 2000; Fillmore & Baker, 2010). Also, the “FrameNet Project” is a Corpus-based study based on Fillmore's theory (Fillmore, et al., 2003). It is a lexicographic research project housed and administered at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California. In this system, the meaning of words can be understood on the basis of semantic frames that are mental concepts. On the other hand, verbs are present as the most important element in most of the situations of an event and play significant role in the interpretation of the meaning; thus, working on it is a useful idea.
The purpose of this study is to present a quantitative and corpus-based analysis in order to recognize the semantic domains and frames of the verb “Goftan” (to Tell) in Persian and sketch its main frame within the framework of Frame Semantics theory and the fact-finding model of FrameNet lexicography. In fact, it attempts to investigate what Fillmore and his colleagues did in English FrameNet and others in different languages as well as in the domain of Frame Semantics to be considered in Persian too. So, the main questions of this study are:

What are the semantic domains and frames of the verb “Goftan” (to Tell) in Persian based on the major concepts of Frame Semantics theory and FrameNet?
Is it possible to design the main semantic frame of the verb “Goftan” (to Tell) in Persian?

To answer these questions, the authors investigate the background of studies and introduce Frame semantics theory and FrameNet lexicography. Then, they tried to be familiar with the verb “Goftan” and it’s frequency in Persian based on Persian Language Database (PLDB). To this end, 44 semantic domains and frames of the verb “Goftan” were recognized using encyclopedias, Persian contemporary corpora and FrameNet database. Then, the concept of “bar zabân Ɂâvardan va bayân kardan” (to express) was determined as the main meaning and prototype of this verb and for the first time its “Radial category” the authors sketched. Finally, the main frame of “Goftan” was created using principles and concepts proposed in Fillmore's Frame Semantics theory

Frame Semantics: Applying FrameNet Principles to " Touring " and " Travel " Semantic Frames in Persian

by Leila Rahmati Nejad and Ali Safari

Biannual Journal of Applications of Language Studies (Hazrat-e Masoumeh University), 2017

In this study " Touring " and " Travel " semantic frames are studied considering the principles o... more In this study " Touring " and " Travel " semantic frames are studied considering the principles of FrameNet and it is taken as first step to build Persian FrameNet. The " FrameNet " is a corpus-based project housed at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California by Charles J. Fillmore which is built based on the theory of Frame Semantics. In this system, the meaning of words can be understood on the basis of semantic frames which are mental encyclopedic concepts. A " Semantic Frame " which is evoked by lexical items, is a description of a type of event, relation, or entity and participants in the event. In this paper, description of frame elements and examples were presented based on the realization of the standard Persian language. Lexical Units related to the frames of " Touring " and " Travel " were drawn from the two-volume Sokhan encyclopedia (Anvari, 2003) and Persian synonyms & antonyms dictionary (Khodaparasti, 1997). Furthermore, the section devoted to marked texts was completed with case sentences exerted from Google. The results showed that following Khavari (2013) and Nayebluy et al. (2015), building a Persian FrameNet is a workable idea.

Consonant-to-Consonant Assimilation in Damavandi Dialect: The Theory of Feature Geometry

Journal of Iranian Languages Linguistics (Shiraz University), 2016

This research is an investigation of the consonant-to-consonant assimilation within the framework... more This research is an investigation of the consonant-to-consonant assimilation within the framework of geometry of phonological features (Clements, 1985; McCarthy,1988 and Clements & Hume, 1995) in one of the dialects in Tehran Province known as Damavandi. The theory of feature geometry is concerned with the way different distinguishing features get organized in accordance with phonological rules. The research question is whether we can elucidate the process of consonant-to-consonant assimilation within the framework of the above-mentioned theory. To find an answer, questionnaires were given to dialect users and the data in relevant books and dissertations were gathered; thence, 6oo pieces of data were collected. After proposing the theory and considering an appropriate research method, the data was analyzed. The analysis of each of the assimilations was dealt with via the following process: the frequency among the data was specified, tabular presentation of the sample frequency was provided, one sample was adopted as an example, the two hypotheses were examined to determine the deep structures, the linear form of the confirmed hypothesis was proposed, and lastly the sample non-linear presentation was displayed through phonological features. This study indicates that the consonant-to-consonant assimilation process in Damavandi dialect can be elucidated within the framework of the theory of feature geometry.

Comparing Semantic frames of the verb "Goftan" (to Tell) in both English and Persian languages Based on Fillmore's Cognitive theory

The 5th National Conference on Computational Linguistics (2019) ,Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies,Tehran,Iran., 2019

Fillmore's Frame theory" suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes the mean... more Fillmore's Frame theory" suggests a major principle in Cognitive Semantics that believes the meanings of words are perceived within a system of knowledge. It maintains that "Semantic Frames" display sections of an event used for connecting a group of words to a set of meanings. Verbs are present as the most important element in most of the situations of an event and play significant r ole in the interpretation of the meaning. This study aims at comparing the semantic frames of the verb "Goftan" in both English and Persian, presenting a corpus-based and quantitative analysis for recognizing its scopes and semantic frames in Persian. 44 semantic domains and frames of "Goftan" have been recognized in Persian using some contemporary encyclopedia and corpora in addition to introducing frames in the FrameNet. Then, the concept of "bar zabân Ɂâvardan va bayân kardan" was determined as the main meaning and the frame was created.

Building a WordNet for Persian Adverbs

The 3rd Conference on Computational Linguistics (2014) ,Sharif University ,Tehran,Iran., 2014

Cognitive Approaches to Grammar :Theories and Concepts

First National Congress on new researches in Cognitive Psychology (Brain and Cognition), (2017),Gilan University, Iran.

Frame Semantics: The study of “Touring” and “Travel” Semantic Frames in Persian

The seventh International Conference of Cognitive Science (ICCS-2017) ,Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS),Tehran, Iran.

The study of “Travel” Semantic Frame in Persian:Frame Semantics theory

First National Congress on new researches in Cognitive Psychology (Brain and Cognition),(2017),Gilan University, Iran.