Abstract
After a critical survey of the as a rule unsatisfactory observations on the ‘middle voice’ in the main handbooks of general linguistics, published in the last forty years, and a discussion of the views pronounced on this category by K. Brugmann, A. Meillet, J. B. Hofmann, Ch. D. Buck, J. Kuryłowicz, A. Debrunner, E. Benveniste and other scholars, an attempt is made to understand the ‘basic meaning’ of the ‘middle voice’ underlying the various functions which as a rule are enumerated in the grammars: the so-called reflexive use, the medium of verbs denoting movements, physical functions, dressing etc., the dynamic medium, the ‘Medium der Beteiligung’, etc. The relations between the middle voice and the ‘eventive’, the passive etc. are studied, and the preference of definite verbal categories for medial forms discussed. For the problem as to why some verbs which might be expected to have medial forms are active a solution is proposed, which brings this fact in connection with the conversion of impersonal verbs into active personal verbs.
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.
