Abstract
Summary The Polish genitive case is explored from the point of view of its proposed polysemy. We adopt the view that the genitive represents an instance of structured polysemy (Nikiforidou 1991). Like Nikiforidou, we reject the opinion that the genitive instantiates accidental homonymy or shows general single meaning. Our analysis demonstrates that several meanings we identified are intricately tied to each other. There are two prototypical meanings with their several semantic extensions, the latter departing from the former. Contrary to Nikiforidou’s proposal of the genitive as a “radial category” (Lakoff 1987), we support an alternative model. In our view, structured polysemy found in the genitive is better handled by a model referred to as the “meaning chain” (Taylor 1988). Some of the meanings identified are motivated by other meanings in the chain, without directly relying on some semantic centre. Our description of the Polish genitive sheds new light on the holistic semantics of this category with allegedly only grammatical meaning.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.