Abstract
This paper deals with the relationship between the formal properties and a specific meaning associated with a class of Japanese sentences that have the verbal gerund and iru ‘be’ (i.e., -te iru). These sentences are characterized by the -te iru verbal morphology on a dynamic verb and a non-volitional subject that does not participate in the event denoted by the verb. The particular stative interpretation induced by these sentences cannot be attributed to the meaning of the individual lexical items. The paper argues instead that the source of the stative meaning is better explained by a constructional view, that the meaning is attributed to the construction itself.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.