The Grammaticalization of Greek Particles: A Functional Discourse Grammar Approach

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

99 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Particles usually show a wide range of meanings across different contexts,meanings that somehow seem to be connected to one another. This often complexpolysemy of particles does not appear out of thin air results from a series of diachronicsemantic extensions: a process of grammaticalization in which a particular sourcemeaning developed a number of novel meanings, eventually resulting in a polysemousnetwork or chain of related meanings. The semantic development of particles is not anentirely random process but shows a form of regularity. Following a hypothesis fromthe theoretical framework of Functional Discourse Grammar, I argue that the semanticdevelopment of Greek particles can be analyzed as a process of semantic–functionalscope increase; i.e. semantic change proceeds from a lower to a higher semantic–functional layer in the layered organization of grammar. In order to illustrate theprocess of scope increase, the development of two discourse particles,τοιandνυν, arediscussed. The particleτοιevolved successively from a personal pronoun referring to aparticipant in thestate–of–affairs, to a modifier at the layer of theproposition, and to aninterpersonal particle operating at the layer of theillocution. Finally, within the particlecombinationμέντοι, τοιcame to mark an adversative relation betweendiscourse acts.The particleνυνoriginated in a locative adverb modifying theepisode, developed intoan interpersonal attitudinal particle at the layer of theillocutionand into a discourse–structural particle, marking the transition to a newmovein the discourse. I furtherargue thatsemanticgrammaticalization (e.g. semantic bleaching, pragmaticalization,(inter)subjectification, scope increase) andformalgrammaticalization (e.g. increasedphonological erosion, increased bondedness) may take place independently from oneanother and advance at different speeds.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAncient Greek Linguistics
Subtitle of host publicationNew Approaches, Insights, Perspectives
EditorsFelicia Logozzo, Paolo Pocetti
Place of PublicationBerlin/Boston
PublisherDe Gruyter
Pages103-118
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9783110551389
ISBN (Print)9783110548068
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Grammaticalization of Greek Particles: A Functional Discourse Grammar Approach'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this