Abstract
In the Frisian dialect of Heligoland sentences are found which apparently contain two finite verbs, the modal verb mut ‘must’ in the verb second position and a full verb in the verb final position. It will be argued that the original 3rd person present form mut developed into an epistemic particle, so that the inflection shifted to the former infinitive. The grammaticalization of this particle, its spread from deliberative questions to declarative clauses and its epistemic status are discussed in some detail. The epistemic particle mut in Heligolandic is compared to similar particles occupying the verb second position in West and North Germanic languages.
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.
