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Cacoullos, Rena Torres; Walker, James A. – Language, 2009
We use the variationist method to elucidate the expression of future time in English, examining multiple grammaticalization in the same domain ("will" and "going to"). Usage patterns show that the choice of form is not determined by invariant semantic readings such as proximity, certainty, willingness, or intention. Rather, particular instances of…
Descriptors: Language Variation, Semantics, Language Usage, English
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Tagliamonte, Sali A.; D'Arcy, Alexandra – Language, 2009
What is the mechanism by which a linguistic change advances across successive generations of speakers? We explore this question by using the model of incrementation provided in Labov 2001 and analyzing six current changes in English. Extending Labov's focus on recent and vigorous phonological changes, we target ongoing morphosyntactic(-semantic)…
Descriptors: Language Variation, Phonology, Semantics, Grammar
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Carstairs-McCarthy, Andrew – Language, 1994
Clark's 1987 Principle of Contrast seems inconsistent with the synonymy exhibited by inflectional affixes in languages with inflection classes. But if inflection class membership identifies the inflection class of the lexemes to which it attaches, then inflection affixation complies with this principle. Grammatical implications are suggested. (76…
Descriptors: Afrikaans, Caucasian Languages, Contrastive Linguistics, Data Analysis