IMPROVING MOTIVATION AND VALENCY AS THE MAIN CONTRIBUTORS TO THE EXTENSION OF THE SEMANTIC FIELD OF "BEHAVIOR"

This study investigates the relationship between motivation and valency in expanding the semantic field of the word “behavior.” Drawing on theoretical frameworks from cognitive linguistics and sociolinguistics, it posits that motivation, driven by social and cultural factors, plays a crucial role in shaping the semantic extensions of “behavior.” Furthermore, the study explores the influence of valency, specifically the number and type of arguments a verb takes, on the dynamic evolution of the semantic field. Using a corpus-based approach and focusing on contemporary language use, this research identifies key patterns and trends in the semantic expansion of “behavior.” The findings highlight the interconnectedness of motivation and valency in shaping language, offering valuable insights into the dynamic nature of language change and the nuanced interplay of social, cultural, and linguistic forces.