LINGUIST List 20.3973
Thu Nov 19 2009
Diss: Historical Ling: Blakemore: 'Intend Returning: Um estudo...'
Editor for this issue: Di Wdzenczny
<dilinguistlist.org>
1. Heather
Blakemore,
Intend Returning: Um estudo diacrônico de complementos indefinidos na língua inglesa, baseado em dados de corpora
Message 1: Intend Returning: Um estudo diacrônico de complementos indefinidos na língua inglesa, baseado em dados de corpora
Date: 17-Nov-2009
From: Heather Blakemore <Heather.Blakemoregmail.com>
Subject: Intend Returning: Um estudo diacrônico de complementos indefinidos na língua inglesa, baseado em dados de corpora
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Institution: Federal University of Minas Gerais
Program: Linguistics Post-Graduate Programme
Dissertation Status: Completed
Degree Date: 2009
Author: Heather Jean Blakemore
Dissertation Title: Intend Returning: Um estudo diacrônico de complementos indefinidos na língua inglesa, baseado em dados de corpora
Dissertation URL: http://www.letras.ufmg.br/poslin/tese_detalhes.asp?aluno=681
Linguistic Field(s):
Historical Linguistics
Subject Language(s): English (eng)
Dissertation Director:
Heliana Mello
Dissertation Abstract:
Starting from the chaos of contemporary synchronic data, I sought patternsin usage of indefinite verbal complements in the form of gerunds andinfinitives. The methodology employed a personalized database built fromrelevant corpora. Analyses utilized Cognitive Grammar (Langacker, 1987,1991, 2000) with Usage-based Models of Language (Barlow & Kemmer, 2000).Extensive study of the literature on the question led to the convictionthat existing analyses of synchronic contemporary data could receivesubstantial illumination from diachronic corpus data. Consequently,research was extended to historical uses of these verbal complements,resulting in the discovery of complex and interacting changes in Englishsyntax. Growth of the gerund complement in both token and constructiontypes was verified as a change in progress. The two factors identified ashaving the greatest explanatory power over the current system of verbalcomplements are respectively historical and contemporary, specificallycertain verbs' later entry into English and current frequency rates of use.I introduce a Kemmer-type feedback loop mechanism of language change toexplain the two factors according to the hypothesis that the first factoris partially responsible for the second. Taken together, the factors andthe mechanism form the most significant contribution offered by thisoriginal research: a historical explanation of the processes resulting incurrent differences between the two forms, both in meaning and syntacticdistribution.
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