On word order in Spanish copular sentences
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Manuel Leonetti
Abstract
This paper deals with the interaction between the ser/estar distinction and word order. In Spanish the VSX order imposes a thetic, wide focus interpretation (Leonetti, 2014a). This word order pattern is compatible with estar predication. In contrast, ser predication is typically excluded with VSX in spoken Spanish, with the only exception of a small set of cases that share an exclamative/mirative/ emphatic interpretation. The well-formedness of estar VSX sentences can be explained assuming that thetic constructions always include a stage topic: as estar requires the predication to be dependent on a topical situation (Maienborn, 2005), and such situation is identified as a possible stage topic, the conditions for a thetic interpretation are easily met. With ser, in contrast, the predication is not connected to a topical situation, and thus cannot be linked to a stage topic. Exceptions are accounted for by invoking a strategy of mismatch resolution that leads the hearer to interpret the utterance as a manifestation of an exclamative/mirative attitude.
Abstract
This paper deals with the interaction between the ser/estar distinction and word order. In Spanish the VSX order imposes a thetic, wide focus interpretation (Leonetti, 2014a). This word order pattern is compatible with estar predication. In contrast, ser predication is typically excluded with VSX in spoken Spanish, with the only exception of a small set of cases that share an exclamative/mirative/ emphatic interpretation. The well-formedness of estar VSX sentences can be explained assuming that thetic constructions always include a stage topic: as estar requires the predication to be dependent on a topical situation (Maienborn, 2005), and such situation is identified as a possible stage topic, the conditions for a thetic interpretation are easily met. With ser, in contrast, the predication is not connected to a topical situation, and thus cannot be linked to a stage topic. Exceptions are accounted for by invoking a strategy of mismatch resolution that leads the hearer to interpret the utterance as a manifestation of an exclamative/mirative attitude.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- 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
