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1 Non-verbal predication: An analytical framework

  • Denis Creissels , Pier Marco Bertinetto and Luca Ciucci
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Abstract

This chapter outlines, with empirical data drawn from several languages, a theoretical framework accounting for the various manifestations of non-verbal predication. After defining non-verbal predication, it itemizes the different types of non-verbal predication according to: (i) the morphosyntactic nature of the non-verbal predicate (nominal, adjectival, adverbial); (ii) the types of predicative marking (copula construction, juxtaposition, predicative inflection); (iii) the functional domains in which the use of non-verbal predication is particularly prominent (inclusion vs. identity predication, locational predication, existential predication, possessive predication, ostension). In particular, we distinguish two types of predicative inflection and identify a mixed type combining predicative inflection and copula construction. We introduce a new terminology for the various types of locational predication and address the need to keep inverse-locational predication separated from existential predication. Finally, we propose a new typology of predicative possessive constructions.

Abstract

This chapter outlines, with empirical data drawn from several languages, a theoretical framework accounting for the various manifestations of non-verbal predication. After defining non-verbal predication, it itemizes the different types of non-verbal predication according to: (i) the morphosyntactic nature of the non-verbal predicate (nominal, adjectival, adverbial); (ii) the types of predicative marking (copula construction, juxtaposition, predicative inflection); (iii) the functional domains in which the use of non-verbal predication is particularly prominent (inclusion vs. identity predication, locational predication, existential predication, possessive predication, ostension). In particular, we distinguish two types of predicative inflection and identify a mixed type combining predicative inflection and copula construction. We introduce a new terminology for the various types of locational predication and address the need to keep inverse-locational predication separated from existential predication. Finally, we propose a new typology of predicative possessive constructions.

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