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Reconsidering the 'Modal Particles' in Modern Greek

In: Journal of Greek Linguistics
Authors:
Anastasios Tsangalidis
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Anna Roussou
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Online Publication Date:
01 Jan 2010

Abstract

In the present paper we consider the elements na, a and as, which combine with the finite verb and give rise to a variety of modal readings, such as future, subjunctive, etc. On the basis of their distributional similarities and differences, we argue that the elements under consideration are situated in the left periphery and fall into two categories: a and as have a verbal property, while na has a locative one which also underlies its deictic use. This approach allows us to get a better understanding of their current syntactic status, and also has certain implications regarding their diachronic development (e.g. 'grammaticalization'). Our analysis is consistent with the view that there is no syntactic category 'particle' (Zwicky 1985).

Title:
Reconsidering the 'Modal Particles' in Modern Greek
Article Type:
Research Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1163/156658410X495817
Language:
English
Pages:
45–73
Keywords:
DIACHRONY; LEFT PERIPHERY; MOOD; ARGUMENT STRUCTURE; MODALITY
In:
Journal of Greek Linguistics
In:
Volume 10: Issue 1
Publisher:
Brill
E-ISSN:
1569-9846
Print ISSN:
1566-5844
Subjects:
Indo-European Languages, Languages and Linguistics, Greek & Latin Literature, Classical Studies

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