Ser, estar and two different modifiers
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Juan Romeu
Abstract
Assuming a novel model based on a minimal cartography where every syntactic node in the structure encodes semantic information (see Romeu, 2014), in this paper I argue that the difference between ser and estar in Spanish is due to the presence of two different modifiers (Conjoint and Disjoint) of the node Stat (which introduces a state) in their respective underlying structures, similarly to the way that the prepositions a and en are distinguished in Romeu (2014). Although both ser and estar lexicalize Stat, ser can also lexicalize Conjoint, which gives the interpretation that there is only one state in the situation described, and estar also lexicalizes Disjoint, which gives the interpretation that the state encoded by Stat is linked to a different state and that there exists a link or relation between these two states. This contrast accounts for the different properties of ser and estar that have been pointed out in the literature: individual-level/stage-level opposition, permanent/temporary interpretation, scalar interpretation of estar, evidential use of estar, etc.
Abstract
Assuming a novel model based on a minimal cartography where every syntactic node in the structure encodes semantic information (see Romeu, 2014), in this paper I argue that the difference between ser and estar in Spanish is due to the presence of two different modifiers (Conjoint and Disjoint) of the node Stat (which introduces a state) in their respective underlying structures, similarly to the way that the prepositions a and en are distinguished in Romeu (2014). Although both ser and estar lexicalize Stat, ser can also lexicalize Conjoint, which gives the interpretation that there is only one state in the situation described, and estar also lexicalizes Disjoint, which gives the interpretation that the state encoded by Stat is linked to a different state and that there exists a link or relation between these two states. This contrast accounts for the different properties of ser and estar that have been pointed out in the literature: individual-level/stage-level opposition, permanent/temporary interpretation, scalar interpretation of estar, evidential use of estar, etc.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Ser and estar 1
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Ser and estar and aspect
- More than a copula 23
- Ser, estar and two different modifiers 51
- Sentences as predicates 85
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Ser and estar beyond aspect
- The inference of temporal persistence and the individual/stage level distinction 119
- Location and the estar/ser alternation 147
- What do Spanish copulas have in common with Tibetan evidentials? 173
- On word order in Spanish copular sentences 203
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The extension and loss of copulas
- Origins and development of adjectival passives in Spanish 239
- Eventive and stative passives and copula selection in Canadian and American Heritage Speaker Spanish 267
- The development and use of the Spanish copula with adjectives by Korean-speaking learners 293
- Index 325
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Ser and estar 1
-
Ser and estar and aspect
- More than a copula 23
- Ser, estar and two different modifiers 51
- Sentences as predicates 85
-
Ser and estar beyond aspect
- The inference of temporal persistence and the individual/stage level distinction 119
- Location and the estar/ser alternation 147
- What do Spanish copulas have in common with Tibetan evidentials? 173
- On word order in Spanish copular sentences 203
-
The extension and loss of copulas
- Origins and development of adjectival passives in Spanish 239
- Eventive and stative passives and copula selection in Canadian and American Heritage Speaker Spanish 267
- The development and use of the Spanish copula with adjectives by Korean-speaking learners 293
- Index 325
