This paper provides a study on the network of the non-nominal head constructions (TNCxs[-N]) developed by the Italian taxonomic nouns (TNs) specie, genere, sorta and tipo (SGST). The analysis is focused on the relationship between the semantic development of SGST and their diffusion in various types of text, as well as the frequency and productivity of the TNCxs[-N]. In order to assess whether and how their distribution in different texts has affected the course of their development, data derived from diachronic and synchronic Italian corpora will be analysed. The corpus-based analysis demonstrates that TNs have developed different types and numbers of Cxs[-N] due to a strong interrelationship between lexical, constructional and textual factors. Firstly, the increase in frequency of the abstract taxonomic meaning of the nouns was the first step towards a possible determinologization of the TNs in specific constructional contexts. Secondly, the differing nature of the lexical sources resulted in partially different semantic operations for the various TNCxs[-N], such as categorization and analogical comparison, approximation, exemplification and focusing. This process favoured some constructions, which spread and in turn occupied syntactic spaces of different mobility. If we rank the TNs according to the number and variety of Cxs[-N], tipo occupies the first position, followed by genere, sorta and specie. It seems possible to attribute these differences to constructional factors, i.e. to the greater flexibility of the TipoCxs[-N] at both a formal and semantic level. As a final point, the relationship between the formation of new functions and their use in new contexts is very close and they are mutually reinforcing. This encourages the diachronic study of textual pathways as a source of new knowledge.
The network of specie, genere, sorta, tipo constructions: from lexical features to discursive functions
Voghera, M.
2023-01-01
Abstract
This paper provides a study on the network of the non-nominal head constructions (TNCxs[-N]) developed by the Italian taxonomic nouns (TNs) specie, genere, sorta and tipo (SGST). The analysis is focused on the relationship between the semantic development of SGST and their diffusion in various types of text, as well as the frequency and productivity of the TNCxs[-N]. In order to assess whether and how their distribution in different texts has affected the course of their development, data derived from diachronic and synchronic Italian corpora will be analysed. The corpus-based analysis demonstrates that TNs have developed different types and numbers of Cxs[-N] due to a strong interrelationship between lexical, constructional and textual factors. Firstly, the increase in frequency of the abstract taxonomic meaning of the nouns was the first step towards a possible determinologization of the TNs in specific constructional contexts. Secondly, the differing nature of the lexical sources resulted in partially different semantic operations for the various TNCxs[-N], such as categorization and analogical comparison, approximation, exemplification and focusing. This process favoured some constructions, which spread and in turn occupied syntactic spaces of different mobility. If we rank the TNs according to the number and variety of Cxs[-N], tipo occupies the first position, followed by genere, sorta and specie. It seems possible to attribute these differences to constructional factors, i.e. to the greater flexibility of the TipoCxs[-N] at both a formal and semantic level. As a final point, the relationship between the formation of new functions and their use in new contexts is very close and they are mutually reinforcing. This encourages the diachronic study of textual pathways as a source of new knowledge.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
