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In this paper we provide a synchronic and diachronic analysis of an instance of so-called «xpletive» negation in the Spanish approximative adverb por poco. Synchronically, we show that this adverb, when combined with the sentence negator no, is ambiguous between ∼p («expletive») and ∼∼p («canonical») meanings. Diachronically, we show that this ambiguity arose due to a change in the negation system of Spanish around the 15th century. As a result, the supposed instances of «expletive» negation found in present-day uses of por poco are not really expletive at all, but rather are a holdover from the Old Spanish requirement of preverbal negative concord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal distance and modality have been proposed as core meanings of the indicative (simple and periphrastic) future tense forms in Spanish. In general, the research carried out on the topic has prioritized the first meaning over the second. This paper claims that it is the semantic feature of modality that organizes the contrast between those forms. It also argues that temporal distance simply emerges as an epiphenomenon or byproduct of the main semantic value. These statements are supported by evidence based on oral speech samples of 65 Cuban American living in Miami, Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]