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This paper explores from a cognitive linguistic perspective the continuity between lexical and semigrammaticalized uses of the lexeme caudal in the noun phrase of the type [Det. caudalN1 de N2] in written peninsular Spanish. This structure yields various constructional schemas, going from [[Det. + N1] ([de + N2])] with N1 as nucleus, and more or less lexicalized [Det. N1 de N2] collocations, to [[Det. N1 de] N2] with N2 as nucleus. The meaning of the nominal caudal, linked to the fluvial scenery, presents various quantitative, spatial, tempo-aspectual and qualitative components that predispose it to metaphorical projection from the hydric domain to other domains. In the binominal quantifying construction [[un caudal de] N2] caudal keeps some nominal distributional properties, and certain facets of its lexical meaning persist as well. While the degree of schematization or semantic bleaching varies in function of N2 and of the wider context, caudal does not only quantify N2, it at the same time endows it with an aspectual-appreciatory dimension essentially conceived of in terms of fluidity, continuity and accumulation, i.e., situating N2 in an evolutionary perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the long-running and framework-independent discussion among historical linguists on the dominant mechanism in grammaticalization, viz. 'reanalysis' or 'analogy', recent case studies (De Smet 2009, 2012, forthcoming; Fischer 2007, 2008, 2012) have proposed in favor of analogy that syntagmatic associations often precede and to some extent trigger structural reanalysis. This article supports analogical thinking in both the grammaticalization (diachrony) and functional organization (synchrony) of binominal quantifiers in Spanish (e.g., un montón de gente 'a lot of people'). The corpus-based analysis starts off from the 'hybrid' status of quantifying nouns (e.g., montón 'heap, lot'), as they continue to exploit typical noun features in functional uses. The variation in the co-selection patterns is shown to arise from the complex interaction between (conceptual) persistence, analogy and discourse integration. In addition to providing additional evidence for the prevalence and driving force of syntagmatic associations over paradigmatic pressure, the paper characterizes conceptually driven analogy as a two-way discourse phenomenon and zooms in on the reasons for some grammaticalization processes to remain (at least temporarily) 'on hold.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In contrast with previous analyses where ya has been disjunctively characterized as a temporal adverb, an aspectual and a discourse marker this paper offers a unified account as a complex grounding predication () that anchors the event with respect to the time of speech subsuming the evolutionary momentum of the event to be mapped against cultural frames. Unlike deictic markers, ya does not situate events, relations, entities or attributes by projecting them onto an objective socio-physical or temporal axis. It rather gives them a dynamic orientation by mapping them onto a programmatic base, often a cyclic one. Ya validates future or past events as most prominent for the time of speech as compared to surrounding ones that may be part of a larger action or an event chain. Ya is therefore best analyzed as a meta-linguistic focus marker that influences the conceptualization of the underlying base: it acknowledges progression within a process conceived of as globally oriented. In oral speech, ya is typically used to frame perception and propositional attitude predicates. In written language, it contributes to the framing of discourse structure at various levels of organization, especially when it comes to reflect the intertwining of parallel scenarios. The subjective perspective manifested by ya primarily relates to the course of time – the universal programmatic base par excellence – however, it also expresses more sophisticated time managing capacities and the specific mental ability of bridging gaps in linguistic representation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]