Abstract One way to resolve the actuation problem of metaphorical language change is provide a statistical profile constructions and generative rules with antecedent conditions. Based on arguments from view as complex systems dynamic metaphor, this paper argues that qualifies Self-Organized Criticality state linguistic expressions metaphor can be profiled fractal spatio-temporal correlations. S...

Recent work in psychology and linguistics has shown that frequency of occurrence is an important determinant of language acquisition, language use, and diachronic change. This paper surveys the effects of frequency on the use and development of language and considers the psychological mechanisms that underlie the various frequency effects. The paper shows that frequency has an impact on the eme...