Abstract
This paper examines the properties of double negation. Starting form the observation that despite the differences in the syntactic realisation of negation, languages such as Hungarian, French and English resort to the same strategies for marking double negation. Namely, a negative quantifier which contributes double negation systematically occurs with a fall-rise intonation, and triggers the implicature of contrastive, weak alternatives to the sentence. These properties are shown to correspond to that of contrastive topics. It is therefore argued that negative constituents which contribute a double negation reading are contrastive topics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
