Formulaic and novel language in a ‘dual process’ model of language competence Evidence from surveys, speech samples, and schemata

The fact that formulaic expressions are consistently preserved in left hemisphere damagehas had little influence on models of language. Evidence from disordered speech, linguisticanalyses, and first and second language learning reveals that formulaic and novel expressionspattern differently. The “formuleme” (canonical form) is recognizable by native speakers ashaving stereotyped form and conventional meaning. Studies suggest that one quarter ofdiscourse is made up of formulaic expressions, and that right hemisphere and subcorticaldamage interfere with their comprehension and production. The dual process modelfeatures a holistic mode for processing of formulaic language and an analytic mode forgeneration of new utterances. Schemata (formulemes with open slots) exemplify normalcooperation between generation of fixed and newly created language.