A Constraint-Based Analysis of be like Quotative

Abstract

This paper provides how be like quotative is licensed by derivational constructions couched in the conventions of Sign-Based Construction Grammar (SBCG). To begin with, we opened grammatical properties of be like with the help of a total of 485 tokens from Buckeye Corpus. It is predominantly used with present tense for dramatic effect in narrative, and further it favours tense agreement with its quote. Usage of third person accounts for a majority of data. In a constraint-based account, we propose that be like construct is an inseparable frame, thus producing totally another lexical meaning to report a reconstructed dialogue. By extension, be like inherits constraints from Subject-Predicate Construction and HFP. COMPS of a head daughter has empty GAP and unmarked feature value, so it prevents indirect speech featured with a complementizer such as that. Via CNTXT quoted materials receive FOCUS feature. Last, we suggest FRAME features to properly explain the types of speech be like introduces: internal, direct, and external speech. A conclusive statement is drawn that constructions license sign types that are indexed to be like quotative.