(2018) Minimal English

Published on November 19, 2017. Last updated on September 5, 2018.

Goddard, Cliff (2018). Minimal English: The science behind it. In Cliff Goddard (Ed.), Minimal English for a global world: Improved communication using fewer words (pp. 29-70). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62512-6_3

This chapter explains in an accessible way the linguistic research that underpins the specifics of Minimal English. The “science behind Minimal English” is the body of research, by linguists working in the Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) approach, into which words and grammatical patterns match across the languages of the world. The chapter includes a review of all semantic primes, classified in twelve groups.

Research carried out by one or more experienced NSM practitioners

	Crude application of NSM principles carried out without prior training by an experienced NSM practitioner
	Approximate application of NSM principles carried out without prior training by an experienced NSM practitioner
	Sound application of NSM principles carried out without prior training by an experienced NSM practitioner
	Research carried out in consultation with or under the supervision of one or more experienced NSM practitioners
	Research carried out by one or more experienced NSM practitioners