Back to Search
Start Over
Le-predicates and event modification in Mexican Spanish
- Source :
-
Lingua . Apr2012, Vol. 122 Issue 4, p409-431. 23p. - Publication Year :
- 2012
-
Abstract
- Abstract: In this paper we will account for the semantic composition of a productive class of predicates in Mexican Spanish formed by lexical verbs that combine with a defective morphosyntactic clitic. Our analysis is that le corresponds to a lexical affix that is syntactically analysed as a defective High Appl head that selects for intransitive roots or intransitivized verbal bases, and projects a LeP. Semantically, le encodes an intensive meaning and imposes certain restrictions on the specific event schemas denoted by the V it may combine with. We show that le modifies the selected event by classifying it as an Action; and, in addition, the whole modified event may intersectively combine with a locus or goal property denoted by an external locative or oblique topic adjunct. Le is not an argument of the predicate, and therefore can be associated neither with a referential nor with a coreferential interpretation, but is not expletive either. This paper is relevant for showing how morphosyntax feeds semantics. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00243841
- Volume :
- 122
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Lingua
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 73201575
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lingua.2011.12.008