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
7 - Predicate Case
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 7 deals with the relation between the case of the nominal (or adjectival) predicate and semantics. First, we consider instrumental predicates in such Slavic languages as Russian and Polish (and the instrumental/nominative alternation), essive predicates in Uralic languages and translative case in Finnish. This contrast has been linked to the distinction between stage-level and individual-level predicates, but also to additional semantic oppositions, e.g. between predicational and identity readings of predicate nominal sentences. Further, we consider the approach according to which this case alternation results from the existence of two types of small clauses, one of which is deficient in some sense. The chapter then turns to the essive case in Uralic languages. Like the Slavic predicate instrumental, it is associated with stage-level readings and with additional types of relativization, e.g. relativization to a facet/role of the argument or to a specific possible world. Finally, translative predicates are investigated. These predicates are strongly associated with the notion of change, but their compatibility with such verbs as jäädä ‘remain’ and jättää ‘leave’ challenges this link. An alternative analysis is described, formulated within a force-theoretic framework. Under this analysis, a translative predicate signals force exertion, rather than change.
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- The Semantics of Case , pp. 223 - 250Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2020