Linguistic constraints on causal content: The case of Modern Greek markers

Abstract

The current paper sets out to explore finely grained distinctions in causal meaning. In this sense, it focuses on the two prototypical, monolexemic exponents of causal subordination in Modern Greek (MG), i.e. γiati and epeiδi, in a diversity of contextual applications. Interestingly, the translation counterpart of both markers in the corresponding contexts in English is because. However, despite initial readings, it transpires that the two Modern Greek connectives display distinct distributional regularities. Exposing the finer distinctions in causal interpretation requires a theoretical model of meaning analysis that warrants sharp observations of meaning in context. To this effect, the relevance-theoretic machinery is implemented. It is shown that a rigorous and realistic account of the two causal markers can be secured by exploiting the full range of distinctions in meaning drawn in this framework: conceptual/procedural, explicit/implicit and truth-conditional/non-truth-conditional. In this connection, then, the current study also outlines the types of encoded constraint contributing to the determination of the divide between semantic and pragmatic content.