Book contents
- The Semantics of Case
- Key Topics in Semantics and Pragmatics
- The Semantics of Case
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Dative Case
- 3 Spatial Cases
- 4 Case and Aspect
- 5 Differential Object Marking
- 6 The Genitive/Accusative Alternation in Balto-Slavic
- 7 Predicate Case
- 8 Generalizations and Conclusions
- Terminology
- Bibliography
- Index
3 - Spatial Cases
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 April 2020
- The Semantics of Case
- Key Topics in Semantics and Pragmatics
- The Semantics of Case
- Copyright page
- Dedication
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Acknowledgments
- Abbreviations
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Dative Case
- 3 Spatial Cases
- 4 Case and Aspect
- 5 Differential Object Marking
- 6 The Genitive/Accusative Alternation in Balto-Slavic
- 7 Predicate Case
- 8 Generalizations and Conclusions
- Terminology
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Chapter 3 deals with the topic of spatial case. It considers the range of spatial notions which can be reflected in the case system of a language, including configuration, directionality and distality. A particular emphasis is placed on Nakh-Daghestanian languages, which are characterized by especially rich spatial case systems. The question is raised as to whether an empty adposition analysis is appropriate for such languages. Does the case-marker make a truth-conditional contribution by specifying a certain spatial relation, or is this function fulfilled by a functional element which is present in the structure but not phonologically realized? The chapter also considers non-spatial uses of spatial cases, specifically, instances of metaphorical extension and reduced agentivity. Finally, we take a look at the interrelation between overt spatial prepositions and case-assignment in a number of Indo-European languages.
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- The Semantics of Case , pp. 70 - 98Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020