Ethic dative : syntax and affect

Part of : Γλωσσολογία ; Vol.11-12, 2000, pages 229-256

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229-256
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This paper investigates how affect is morphologically represented in language through theethic dative (genitive) in MG We have examined previous accounts within traditionalgrammar (Tzartzanos 1946) and the GB framework (Catsimali 1989) and have concludedthat this construction can be satisfactorily explained only by applying theories which recognizethat syntactic phenomena are closely interrelated with semantico-pragmatic onesIn that direction we adopt Janda's (1989, 1993) schematic representation and apply a cogmtive linguistic approach In examining ditransitivity and affect, we show that there is socio cultural pressure exerted on syntactic structures Specifically, we argue that this constructionexhibits the relatively high value placed on interpersonal involvement, as well asan orientation towards positive politeness in the specific linguistic community We conelude that the genitive-dative in MG depends on the interaction of three cognitive domains, ι e , (ι) agentivity, (n) possession, and (in) affectedness of the recipient, all of whichare graded.
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Περιέχει σχήματα, σημειώσεις και βιβλιογραφία, We would like to express our gratitude to our colleagues D. Theophanopoulou-Kontou, K. Nikiforidou, C. Canakis, J. Hannah and P. Trudgill for instructive comments and bibliographical suggestions.