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The interpretation of [+distal] in demonstratives and complementizers
1Leiden University and Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Linguistics
|November 25, 2024
Summary
The demonstrative "that" and complementizer "that" both share a [+distal] feature, indicating distance or addressee involvement. This feature explains various speech patterns and exclamative uses of "that".
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
Background:
- The function of demonstrative 'that' is often analyzed as having a [+distal] feature.
- Complementizer 'that' is typically considered to have lost its original demonstrative meaning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue that complementizer 'that' retains a [+distal] feature.
- To propose that this [+distal] feature is referential, pointing to an element in the Shared Discourse Space.
- To explain various linguistic phenomena using this proposed feature.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of direct and indirect speech patterns.
- Examination of 'that' in exclamative sentences.
- Comparison with Romance complementizers.
- Development of a theoretical framework integrating syntax and pragmatics.
Main Results:
- Complementizer 'that' is referential and possesses a [+distal] feature.
- The [+distal] feature explains differences in direct vs. indirect speech.
- It accounts for the use of 'that' in exclamatives and its optionality.
- Parallels are drawn with Romance complementizers.
Conclusions:
- The [+distal] feature in complementizer 'that' signifies Addressee involvement and/or actual distance.
- This feature is derived from the interaction of syntactic domains and pragmatic distinctions.
- The analysis provides a unified account for demonstrative and complementizer uses of 'that'.
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