core (adj./n.)

In the phrase core grammar, the term is used in GENERATIVE LINGUISTICS to refer to the UNIVERSAL set of linguistic principles which characterize all the UNMARKED grammatical principles found in LANGUAGE. A RULE which conforms to these principles is a core rule; one which does not is a non-core rule. A core grammar can be developed for an individual language or for language in general (a ‘theory of core grammar’).

In the phrase common core, the term refers to the set of linguistic features which are shared by all VARIETIES of a language.

In PHONOLOGY, core is sometimes used for a CONSTITUENT of SYLLABLE structure comprising the NUCLEUS and CODA, more usually referred to as the RHYME (as in METRICAL PHONOLOGY).

In ROLE and REFERENCE GRAMMAR, core identifies one of the two basic concepts used in analyzing CLAUSE structure; opposed to periphery. The core layer contains the VERB NUCLEUS and associated ARGUMENTS.