Expressions of epistemic modality in Mainland Scandinavian. A study into the lexicalization-grammaticalization-pragmaticalization interface

PhD ceremony: Ms. K. Beijering, 14.30 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Dissertation: Expressions of epistemic modality in Mainland Scandinavian. A study into the lexicalization-grammaticalization-pragmaticalization interface

Promotor(s): prof. M. Norde, prof. J. Hoeksema

Faculty: Arts

Karin Beijering’s dissertation investigates the rise of epistemic expressions in relation to different types of language change, viz. lexicalization, grammaticalization and pragmaticalization. Four case studies from the domain of epistemic modality in the Mainland Scandinavian languages are discussed. These epistemic phenomena pose problems for traditional analyses within the framework of grammaticalization studies, because they are at the interface of (most current definitions of) grammaticalization, lexicalization and pragmaticalization.

Beijering presents a novel model of analysis and a unified account of language change centered on the notion of a composite change. A composite change is composed of formal reanalysis and semantic reinterpretation, accompanying primitive changes at different linguistic levels, and the concomitants of these (micro-)changes. These (micro-)changes cluster with respect to their converging properties, but stand out in case they are unique properties. Clusters of correlated (micro-)changes may correspond to a composite change traditionally labeled ‘grammaticalization’, ‘lexicalization’ or ‘pragmaticalization’, but they may also pattern in alternative ways. This is what happens in the case studies in this dissertation.

The case studies in this dissertation defy strict categorization. Therefore, it is proposed to give up the idea that linguistic changes can be assigned to predefined categories. Instead, it is argued that it is more sensible to reduce lexicalization, grammaticalization and pragmaticalization to their basic mechanisms of change, primitive changes and the concomitants of these (micro-)changes. The advantage of clustering, as opposed to categorization, is that one can identify prototypical and marginal instances of lexicalization, grammaticalization and pragmaticalization, and interfaces between these types language change.