Relational Network Theory

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Relational Network Theory (RNT), also known as Neurocognitive Linguistics (NCL) and formerly as Stratificational Linguistics or Cognitive-Stratificational Linguistics, is a connectionist theoretical framework in linguistics primarily developed by Sydney Lamb which aims to integrate theoretical linguistics with neuroanatomy. It views the linguistic system of individual speakers, responsible for language comprehension and production, as consisting of networks of relationships which interconnect across different "strata" (or "levels") of language. These relational networks are hypothesized to correspond to neural maps of cortical columns or minicolumns in the human brain.^[1] Consequently, RNT is related to the wider family of cognitive linguistic theories.^[2] Furthermore, as a functionalist approach to linguistics, RNT shares a close relationship with Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL).^[3]