UID:
almahu_9949481561302882
Format:
1 online resource (204 p.)
ISBN:
9783110197341
,
9783110238570
Series Statement:
Interface Explorations [IE] , 8
Content:
This book investigates the distribution and interpretation of Covert Modality. Covert Modality is modality which we interpret but which is not associated with any lexical item in the structure that we are interpreting. This dissertation investigates a class of environments that involves covert modality. Examples of covert modality include wh-infinitival complements, infinitival relative clauses, purpose clauses, the 'have to' construction, and the 'is to' construction (cf. 1): 1a. Tim knows [how to solve the problem]. ("Tim knows how one/he could/should solve the problem.")1b. Jane found [a book to draw cartoons in] for Sara. ("Jane found a book for Sara one could/should draw cartoons in.")1c. [The man to fix the sink] is here. ("The man whose purpose is to fix the sink is here.")1d. Sue went to Torino [to buy a violin]. ("Sue went to Torino so that she could buy a violin.") 1e. Bill has to reach Philadelphia before noon. ("Bill must reach Philadelphia before noon.")1f. Will is to leave tomorrow. ("Will is scheduled/supposed to leave tomorrow.") The interpretation of (1a-f) involves modality; however, there is no lexical item that seems to be the source of the modality. What (1a-f) have in common is that they involve infinitivals. This book addresses the following questions about covert modality: what is the source of this modality, what are its semantic properties, why are some but not all infinitival relatives modal, and why are all infinitival questions modal? The infinitival [+wh] Complementizer is identified as the source of the covert modality. The apparent variability of the force of this modality is related to the particular semantics of this Complementizer. Infinitival relatives that receive a non-modal interpretation are analyzed as being reduced relatives and thus not involving the infinitival [+wh] Complementizer.
Note:
Dissertation University of Pennsylvania 1999.
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Frontmatter --
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Contents --
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Chapter 1. Introduction --
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Chapter 2. The syntax of infinitival --
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relatives --
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Chapter 3. Non-Modal subject infinitival --
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relatives --
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Chapter 4. Infinitival questions --
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Chapter 5. Ability modals and their actuality --
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entailments --
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Backmatter
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Issued also in print.
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Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
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In English.
In:
DGBA Backlist Complete English Language 2000-2014 PART1, De Gruyter, 9783110238570
In:
DGBA Backlist Linguistics and Semiotics 2000-2014 (EN), De Gruyter, 9783110238457
In:
DGBA Linguistics and Semiotics 2000 - 2014, De Gruyter, 9783110636970
In:
De Gruyter Mouton Backlist 2000-2015, De Gruyter, 9783110742961
In:
E-BOOK GESAMTPAKET / COMPLETE PACKAGE 2008, De Gruyter, 9783110212129
In:
E-BOOK PACKAGE ENGLISH LANGUAGES TITLES 2008, De Gruyter, 9783110212136
In:
E-BOOK PAKET LINGUISTIK UND LITERATURWISSENSCHAFT 2008, De Gruyter, 9783110209457
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9783110179521
Language:
English
Subjects:
Comparative Studies. Non-European Languages/Literatures
DOI:
10.1515/9783110197341
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110197341
URL:
https://www.degruyter.com/isbn/9783110197341
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