Abstract
The study focuses on Latvian modal verbs varēt ‘can, may’ and drīkstēt ‘may’ and their ability to perform the conative function of language. Both modal verbs are studied together because varēt can be used in the sense of drīkstēt and drīkstēt meaning contains a reference to possibility. The source of research is verbatim reports (the year 2018) from the Corpus of the Saeima (parliament of Latvia). The analysis of both modal verbs is based on the determination of modal meanings and interpretation of their ability to influence. The use of modal verbs’ person and mood has been taken into account. In the result of the research, it can be concluded that the conative function of both modal verbs in verbatim reports of the Saeima (the year 2018) in most cases is indirect and implicit. This is also evidenced by the lack of imperative and debitive mood of both modal verbs. Since the basic meaning of the verb drīkstēt is associated with the expression of permission (in negation – prohibition), it – unlike varēt – carries out a more direct and categorical conative function of language.
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Schedule a callMore From: Vārds un tā pētīšanas aspekti: rakstu krājums = The Word: Aspects of Research: conference proceedings
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