From Theoretical Framework to Empirical Investigation: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Evolution and Emerging Trends in Polarity Sensitivity Studies Between 1980 and 2023

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of polarity sensitivity research from 1980 to 2023, examining intellectual structure, collaboration patterns, and emerging trends. Analysing 835 documents using Bibliometrix (V.4.1.0), CiteSpace (V.6.1.R6), and VOSviewer (V1.6.18), we identify three evolutionary phases: (1) foundational theoretical development (1980–2000), transitioning from syntactic to semantic-based theories; (2) methodological diversification (2000–2010), incorporating cognitive–pragmatic frameworks and corpus-based studies; and (3) contemporary integration (2010–2023), marked by multidisciplinary approaches. Co-citation analysis reveals three intellectual clusters centred on formal semantics, pragmatic approaches, and minimalist frameworks. Geographic analysis shows the United States as the leading contributor, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Collaboration network analysis underscores intensive transatlantic exchanges and emerging computational contributions from Asia. Keyword co-occurrence analysis (165 terms) demonstrates theoretical sophistication and empirical integration, with growing interest in neurocognitive approaches, cross-linguistic variations, and interface phenomena. Challenges include reconciling universal principles with language-specific variations and integrating processing models with formal theories. Promising research directions involve the combination of computational modelling, diachronic studies, and applications in language teaching and natural language processing. This study maps the intellectual landscape of polarity sensitivity research while suggesting future directions toward unified theories that address universal and language-specific patterns.