The Core Clustering and Characteristics of the Research on Construction Grammar in China in the Past Two Decades

In this paper, 1092 research papers in the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI) from 2003 to 2023 on the topic of “Construction” were analyzed from multiple perspectives using CiteSpace software. The study reveals the core clusters and their characteristics within the field. The core clustering map of cutting-edge issues shows the correlation and thematic concentration among research papers, revealing the core clustering of construction grammar research in the last two decades. It is found that the field is characterized by three main features: multiple introductions of main theories, multiple applications oriented to teaching and learning, and analytical interdisciplinarity. In terms of theory introduction, the initial studies mainly focused on introducing and interpreting the theory of construction grammar; in terms of teaching application, application strategies such as the “construct-chunk” analysis method were proposed.