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What man does.
- Source :
- Linguistics & Philosophy; Dec2008, Vol. 31 Issue 6, p671-724, 54p, 2 Graphs
- Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- This paper considers the meaning and use of the English particle man. It is shown that the particle does quite different things when it appears in sentence-initial and sentence-final position; the first use involves expression of an emotional attitude as well as, on a particular intonation, intensification; this use is analyzed using a semantics for degree predicates along with a separate dimension for the expressive aspect. Further restrictions on modification with the sentence-initial particle involving monotonicity and evidence are introduced and analyzed. The sentence-final use can be viewed as strengthening the action performed by the sentence. A formal semantics is given by making use of dynamic techniques and, in a sense, dynamically simulating the modification of certain speech acts. Some empirical and theoretical extensions of the analyses are proposed and some consequences discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01650157
- Volume :
- 31
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Linguistics & Philosophy
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 39776212
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s10988-009-9052-7