An analogical approach to grammaticalization
-
Olga Fischer
Abstract
Two well-known approaches to language change illustrate a fundamental difference between functional and formal linguistics as to what are considered important mechanisms in change. In Grammaticalization, emphasis is on the semantic-pragmatic factors guiding change, while Generative Theory concentrates on instantaneous intra-linguistic parameter shifts. It will be emphasized here that form and meaning are equally important, and that analogy, as a general cognitive principle, should be seen as the main mechanism operating in change. By means of a case study concerning developments in pragmatic markers that have taken place in English it will be shown that the grammaticalization approach is not adequate in that more notice should be taken of the conventionalized formal system of language in which the development takes place.
Abstract
Two well-known approaches to language change illustrate a fundamental difference between functional and formal linguistics as to what are considered important mechanisms in change. In Grammaticalization, emphasis is on the semantic-pragmatic factors guiding change, while Generative Theory concentrates on instantaneous intra-linguistic parameter shifts. It will be emphasized here that form and meaning are equally important, and that analogy, as a general cognitive principle, should be seen as the main mechanism operating in change. By means of a case study concerning developments in pragmatic markers that have taken place in English it will be shown that the grammaticalization approach is not adequate in that more notice should be taken of the conventionalized formal system of language in which the development takes place.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Introduction 1
-
part I Basic questions
- On some problem areas in grammaticalization studies 17
- Issues in constructional approaches to grammaticalization in English 51
- Reconsidering erosion in grammaticalization 73
- Grammaticalization, subjectification and objectification 101
- Degrammaticalization 123
- Degrammaticalization and obsolescent morphology 151
-
part II Grammaticalization and the explanation of language change
- An analogical approach to grammaticalization 181
- Does grammaticalisation need analogy? 221
- What grammaticalisation can reveal about same-subject control 241
- How the Latin neuter pronominal forms became markers of non-individuation in Spanish 273
-
part III Case studies of micro-processes of grammaticalization
- The Grammaticalization of the German adjectives lauter (and eitel ) 297
- Is German gehören an auxiliary? 323
- Micro-processes of grammaticalization 343
- List of contributors 373
- Index 375
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Introduction 1
-
part I Basic questions
- On some problem areas in grammaticalization studies 17
- Issues in constructional approaches to grammaticalization in English 51
- Reconsidering erosion in grammaticalization 73
- Grammaticalization, subjectification and objectification 101
- Degrammaticalization 123
- Degrammaticalization and obsolescent morphology 151
-
part II Grammaticalization and the explanation of language change
- An analogical approach to grammaticalization 181
- Does grammaticalisation need analogy? 221
- What grammaticalisation can reveal about same-subject control 241
- How the Latin neuter pronominal forms became markers of non-individuation in Spanish 273
-
part III Case studies of micro-processes of grammaticalization
- The Grammaticalization of the German adjectives lauter (and eitel ) 297
- Is German gehören an auxiliary? 323
- Micro-processes of grammaticalization 343
- List of contributors 373
- Index 375
