Modern Social Science Research

This study systematically reviews the development of competing motivations in linguistics, integrating four theoretical dimensions—Optimality Theory, functional typology, the Competition Model, and multifactorial analysis—to reveal the multidimensional mechanisms underlying linguistic structure selection and lay the foundation for a unified theoretical framework. Through literature analysis, the research traces the evolution of competing motivations from Gabelentz to contemporary studies, comparing core tenets of four frameworks: Optimality Theory resolves hierarchical constraint conflicts; the Competition Model explores functional principles in language acquisition; functional typology explains linguistic universals synchronically and diachronically; multifactorial analysis quantifies motivation weights and interactions via statistical modeling. Each dimension addresses distinct aspects of linguistic competition but exhibits limitations: Optimality Theory covers only partial conflict types; the Competition Model lacks formalization of linguistic competence; functional typology overlooks dynamic interactions; multifactorial analysis neglects diachronic motivations. Future research should integrate qualitative and quantitative methods to establish a comprehensive framework based on discourse function and linguistic system. This framework must clarify mappings between motivations and syntactic structures, systematically elaborate interaction patterns and resolutions, and holistically explain dynamic language evolution.

Competing motivations; Optimality Theory; Competition model; Functional typology; Multifactorial analysis; Theoretical framework; Interaction patterns