4 Reflections on comparatives and superlatives through a modular lens
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Norbert Corver
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to study and rethink the linguistic nature of four degree-related grammatical formatives in the Dutch language. I will do this by examining them through a modular lens rather than a construction-specific lens. Two of those formatives are found in comparative constructions, namely the comparative bound morpheme -er, as in lager ‘lower’, and the standard marker dan ‘than’. The other two grammatical formatives are attested in superlative adjectival constructions that are used predicatively, namely the superlative marker ’t, which superficially looks like the neuter definite article, and the bound morpheme -e, which appears to attach optionally to the superlative adjective, as in ’t laagst(-e), ’t lowest(-e), ‘lowest’. It is proposed for each of these four elements that they are not construction-specific properties but rather properties that can be found in other structural environments as well. In short, comparative formation and superlative formation involve grammatical properties that are attested also elsewhere in the syntax of Dutch. With this result, this chapter hopes to show that the strategy of reflecting on language through a modular lens allows us to see hidden abstract structures underneath of the linguistic sound surface.
Abstract
The aim of this chapter is to study and rethink the linguistic nature of four degree-related grammatical formatives in the Dutch language. I will do this by examining them through a modular lens rather than a construction-specific lens. Two of those formatives are found in comparative constructions, namely the comparative bound morpheme -er, as in lager ‘lower’, and the standard marker dan ‘than’. The other two grammatical formatives are attested in superlative adjectival constructions that are used predicatively, namely the superlative marker ’t, which superficially looks like the neuter definite article, and the bound morpheme -e, which appears to attach optionally to the superlative adjective, as in ’t laagst(-e), ’t lowest(-e), ‘lowest’. It is proposed for each of these four elements that they are not construction-specific properties but rather properties that can be found in other structural environments as well. In short, comparative formation and superlative formation involve grammatical properties that are attested also elsewhere in the syntax of Dutch. With this result, this chapter hopes to show that the strategy of reflecting on language through a modular lens allows us to see hidden abstract structures underneath of the linguistic sound surface.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Introductory remarks 1
-
Part I The morphosyntax of degree expressions
- 1 The rich internal structure of gradable adjectives 11
- 2 Degrees in Ukrainian deadjectival verbs 41
- 3 Two types of synthetic comparatives in Old Slavic 65
- 4 Reflections on comparatives and superlatives through a modular lens 99
- 5 More than a subordinate clause: coordination or subordination in comparatives, clausal or phrasal standards 149
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Part II The semantics of degree expressions
- 6 Morphosyntax-semantics mapping in the grammar of property concepts: the view from English, Mandarin, and beyond 199
- 7 Comparative morphemes are additive particles 237
- 8 Points of comparison 279
- 9 Reconsidering a parametric approach to cross-linguistic variation in degree constructions 307
- 10 A side road to degree interpretations 351
- 11 On the role of causation in sufficiency and excess 381
- Index 413
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Introductory remarks 1
-
Part I The morphosyntax of degree expressions
- 1 The rich internal structure of gradable adjectives 11
- 2 Degrees in Ukrainian deadjectival verbs 41
- 3 Two types of synthetic comparatives in Old Slavic 65
- 4 Reflections on comparatives and superlatives through a modular lens 99
- 5 More than a subordinate clause: coordination or subordination in comparatives, clausal or phrasal standards 149
-
Part II The semantics of degree expressions
- 6 Morphosyntax-semantics mapping in the grammar of property concepts: the view from English, Mandarin, and beyond 199
- 7 Comparative morphemes are additive particles 237
- 8 Points of comparison 279
- 9 Reconsidering a parametric approach to cross-linguistic variation in degree constructions 307
- 10 A side road to degree interpretations 351
- 11 On the role of causation in sufficiency and excess 381
- Index 413
