The project I am working on aims at a description as well as an explanation of constituent order in coordinate constructions in spoken English on several levels, ranging from morphology to the phrasal level. Crucially, frequency features high among the variables influencing this linearization process. Previous studies in linguistics addressed this problem solely in fixed expressions, so-called frozen binomials, e.g., law and order (cf. Cooper & Ross 1975). In psycholinguistics on the other hand works dealt with processing constraints relevant for linearization in syntax in general (e.g. Bock 1982). The present work aims at bridging the gap between these two approaches, thereby exploring the differences and commonalities between frozen, lexicalized constructions and instances of "free" coordination. Several cases studies will be conducted which rely on corpus data and use multi-factorial modeling techniques (extending the methodology of Benor & Levy 2006). The findings will be discussed within the framework of speech production models. In doing so, results will be compared to those of other order alternations, thereby addressing possible ramifications for speech production theory.

Benor, S. B., & Levy, R. (2006). The Chicken or the Egg? A Probabilistic Analysis of English Binomials. Language, 82 (2), 233–278.

Bock, K. (1982). Towards a cognitive psychology of syntax: information processing contribution to sentence formulation. Psychological Review, 89, 1–47.Bock, K. (1982). Towards a cognitive psychology of syntax: information processing contribution to sentence formulation. Psychological Review, 89, 1–47.

Cooper, W. E., & Ross, J. (1975). Word order. In R. E. Grossman, L. J. San & T. J. Vance (Eds.), Papers from the Parasession on Functionalism April, 17, 1975, Papers from the Parasession on Functionalism April, 17, 1975, 63–111.