Layers of Modality : : On Double Modal Constructions by the Example of Croatian / / Ana Werkmann Horvat.

• Superior document: Title is part of eBook package: De Gruyter DG Ebook Package English 2021
• VerfasserIn: Werkmann Horvat, Ana,
• Place / Publishing House: Berlin ;, Boston : : De Gruyter, , [2021]; ©2021
• Year of Publication: 2021
• Language: English
• Series: Linguistische Arbeiten , 578
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (XII, 229 p.)

Much of the literature on modality focuses, at least implicitly, on the occurrence of single modal auxiliaries. However, cross-linguistically, modal auxiliaries can co-occur with one another, but under interesting restrictions. This monograph examines layered modal constructions and the semantic restrictions under which they combine. The main puzzle addressed in the book is the question of ordering restrictions among modal auxiliaries and whether these have any semantic consequences, and finally, what the conceptual rationale is behind these restrictions. Based on the data from Croatian, the central proposal is that modal restrictions depend heavily on both modal force and flavour, and combine according to a hierarchy that can possibly be extended cross-linguistically since it rests on the basis of the conceptual and logical reality of human language. The book also offers an in-depth overview of the literature on layered modal constructions as well as a valuable and extensive set of analyzed data which will be of great interest for researchers interested in verbal systems, modality, and Slavic languages.

Table of Contents

Frontmatter -- Contents -- List of Figures and Tables -- Abbreviations -- 1 Introduction -- 2 Modality: An overview -- 3 Layered modality: Previous accounts and overview of the data -- 4 Force and flavour as semantic restrictors in DMCs -- 5 Motivating the hierarchy -- 6 Conclusion -- Appendix -- Bibliography -- Index