On problem areas in grammaticalization
-
Olga Fischer
Abstract
In a number of recent studies on grammaticalization, it has been argued that the Lehmannian parameter of scope decrease does not work, and that instead scope increase is involved. In this paper I will look at a classic case of grammaticalization, that of the English modals, and suggest that the scope increase observed here can be seen as a case of scope stability provided one takes other constructions involving modals into account. Generally, it will be argued that grammaticalization should not be seen as an independent unidirectional mechanism driving change. Rather, each case of change is the result of the synchronic variable system in which it functions, in which analogy and frequency, as well as economy provide the main mechanisms for change.
Abstract
In a number of recent studies on grammaticalization, it has been argued that the Lehmannian parameter of scope decrease does not work, and that instead scope increase is involved. In this paper I will look at a classic case of grammaticalization, that of the English modals, and suggest that the scope increase observed here can be seen as a case of scope stability provided one takes other constructions involving modals into account. Generally, it will be argued that grammaticalization should not be seen as an independent unidirectional mechanism driving change. Rather, each case of change is the result of the synchronic variable system in which it functions, in which analogy and frequency, as well as economy provide the main mechanisms for change.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
- On problem areas in grammaticalization 17
- Grammaticalization within and outside of a domain 43
- Delexicalizing di 63
- Should conditionals be emergent … 93
- From manner expression to attitudinal discourse marker 137
- Grammaticalization and lexicalization effects in participial morphology 191
- Frequency as a cause of semantic change 225
- The role of frequency and prosody in the grammaticalization of Korean -canh- 245
- Emergence of the indefinite article 275
- To dare to or not to 289
- Author index 327
- Index of languages and language families 331
- Subject index 333
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Acknowledgements vii
- Introduction 1
- On problem areas in grammaticalization 17
- Grammaticalization within and outside of a domain 43
- Delexicalizing di 63
- Should conditionals be emergent … 93
- From manner expression to attitudinal discourse marker 137
- Grammaticalization and lexicalization effects in participial morphology 191
- Frequency as a cause of semantic change 225
- The role of frequency and prosody in the grammaticalization of Korean -canh- 245
- Emergence of the indefinite article 275
- To dare to or not to 289
- Author index 327
- Index of languages and language families 331
- Subject index 333
