Register variation in the non-standard use of non-finite forms
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Nathalie Rossi-Gensane
Abstract
This chapter examines stylistic variation in the non-standard use of non-finite detached constructions, when the non-finite form does not refer to the subject of the main verb. Various kinds of ‘deviation’ from the standard in this particular area of syntax are illustrated and discussed in connection with register. Participles and gerunds show greater variation according to register than infinitives, even though, on the whole, non-standard participles are far less frequent than non-standard gerunds or infinitives. Finally, it is argued that some non-standard non-finite forms may contribute to a sort of hybridization of the spoken and written codes.
Abstract
This chapter examines stylistic variation in the non-standard use of non-finite detached constructions, when the non-finite form does not refer to the subject of the main verb. Various kinds of ‘deviation’ from the standard in this particular area of syntax are illustrated and discussed in connection with register. Participles and gerunds show greater variation according to register than infinitives, even though, on the whole, non-standard participles are far less frequent than non-standard gerunds or infinitives. Finally, it is argued that some non-standard non-finite forms may contribute to a sort of hybridization of the spoken and written codes.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction vii
-
Section I. Phonological variation and leveling
- Introduction 3
- Perception and production in French dialect leveling 9
- The sociolinguistic relevance of regional categories 25
- Prosodic style-shifting as audience design 43
- The immigrant factor in phonological leveling 63
- A prototype-theoretic model of Southern French 77
- The law of position revisited 95
-
Section II. Stylistic and syntactic variation
- Introduction 115
- Variation in first and second language French 121
- French preadolescents’ perceptions of stylistic variation 141
- Sociolinguistic variation in African French 159
- Register variation in the non-standard use of non-finite forms 177
-
Section III. Lexical variation and semantic change
- Introduction 195
- Discourse markers and regional variation in French 201
- Sociolinguistic factors and the pragmaticalization of bon in contemporary spoken French 215
- From ‘luck’ to ‘wealth’ 231
- Index 253
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction vii
-
Section I. Phonological variation and leveling
- Introduction 3
- Perception and production in French dialect leveling 9
- The sociolinguistic relevance of regional categories 25
- Prosodic style-shifting as audience design 43
- The immigrant factor in phonological leveling 63
- A prototype-theoretic model of Southern French 77
- The law of position revisited 95
-
Section II. Stylistic and syntactic variation
- Introduction 115
- Variation in first and second language French 121
- French preadolescents’ perceptions of stylistic variation 141
- Sociolinguistic variation in African French 159
- Register variation in the non-standard use of non-finite forms 177
-
Section III. Lexical variation and semantic change
- Introduction 195
- Discourse markers and regional variation in French 201
- Sociolinguistic factors and the pragmaticalization of bon in contemporary spoken French 215
- From ‘luck’ to ‘wealth’ 231
- Index 253
