Modal semantics and morphosyntax of the Latvian DEBITIVE
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Ilze Lokmane
Abstract
The paper discusses the Latvian debitive from the viewpoint of modality and syntactic structure. In typological linguistics the system of moods in Latvian and in particular the Latvian debitive as a unique linguistic form has been rarely described. The debitive is a mood expressing meaning of necessity or obligation in Latvian. Therefore the introductory part of the paper offers a brief description of the mood system in Latvian explaining the functions of the debitive, its morphosyntax, and its modal semantics. The paper does not discuss exhaustively all the properties of the debitive and thus should be viewed as an initial discussion of this under-investigated subject matter. It proposes an overview of the forms of the debitive as well as a description of its modal meanings and distribution. Further research should involve a more detailed description of modal meanings as well as the distribution of the debitive and its seeming likeness to impersonal and passive constructions.
Abstract
The paper discusses the Latvian debitive from the viewpoint of modality and syntactic structure. In typological linguistics the system of moods in Latvian and in particular the Latvian debitive as a unique linguistic form has been rarely described. The debitive is a mood expressing meaning of necessity or obligation in Latvian. Therefore the introductory part of the paper offers a brief description of the mood system in Latvian explaining the functions of the debitive, its morphosyntax, and its modal semantics. The paper does not discuss exhaustively all the properties of the debitive and thus should be viewed as an initial discussion of this under-investigated subject matter. It proposes an overview of the forms of the debitive as well as a description of its modal meanings and distribution. Further research should involve a more detailed description of modal meanings as well as the distribution of the debitive and its seeming likeness to impersonal and passive constructions.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
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Part I. Formal properties of modality
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1 Formal properties of modality
- Interpreting modals by phase heads 19
- Evidentiality straddling T- and C-domains 43
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Part II. Typological surveys
- The syntax of modal polyfunctionality revisited 89
- Mora da as a marker of modal meanings in Macedonian 127
- Modal semantics and morphosyntax of the Latvian DEBITIVE 167
- Deontic or epistemic? habēre as a modal marker of future certainty in Macedonian 193
- Epistemic, evidential and attitudinal markers in clause-medial position in Cantonese 219
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Part III. Interfaces between mood and modality
- Modal particles in rationale clauses and related constructions 263
- Modal particles in causal clauses 291
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Part IV. Modality conceptualizations
- Enablement and possibility 319
- The modal category of sufficiency 353
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Part V. Diachronic derivation
- From agent-oriented modality to sequential 379
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Part VI. Covert modality
- A rare case of covert modality 409
- (C)Overt epistemic modality and its perspectival effects on the textual surface 457
- Dimensions of implicit modality in Igbo 485
- Index 507
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction 1
-
Part I. Formal properties of modality
-
1 Formal properties of modality
- Interpreting modals by phase heads 19
- Evidentiality straddling T- and C-domains 43
-
Part II. Typological surveys
- The syntax of modal polyfunctionality revisited 89
- Mora da as a marker of modal meanings in Macedonian 127
- Modal semantics and morphosyntax of the Latvian DEBITIVE 167
- Deontic or epistemic? habēre as a modal marker of future certainty in Macedonian 193
- Epistemic, evidential and attitudinal markers in clause-medial position in Cantonese 219
-
Part III. Interfaces between mood and modality
- Modal particles in rationale clauses and related constructions 263
- Modal particles in causal clauses 291
-
Part IV. Modality conceptualizations
- Enablement and possibility 319
- The modal category of sufficiency 353
-
Part V. Diachronic derivation
- From agent-oriented modality to sequential 379
-
Part VI. Covert modality
- A rare case of covert modality 409
- (C)Overt epistemic modality and its perspectival effects on the textual surface 457
- Dimensions of implicit modality in Igbo 485
- Index 507
