Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Many languages offer a surprisingly complex range of options for referring to entities using expressions whose main descriptive content is contributed by an adjective, such as Dutch de blinde ‘the blind (person),’ het besprokene , ‘the (matters) discussed,’ or het ongewone van het niet roken ‘the strange (thing) about not smoking.’ In this paper, we present a case study of the syntax and compositional semantics of three such constructions in Dutch, one of which we argue has not previously been identified in the literature. The data and the analysis will shed light on our understanding of how reference using adjectives differs from that using nouns in languages that have the two categories, as well as on the differences between reference to entities via their properties vs. reference to properties themselves. Finally, we briefly discuss related work and indicate directions for future study of the typological variation found in this rich and highly understudied corner of natural language.
Source: Linguistics and Philosophy
Authors: Louise McNally, Henriëtte de Swart
Institutions: Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Utrecht University
Language: English
Subfield: Language and Linguistics
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
Award: G175103252
OpenAlex ID: W1806337288