Scalarity in the Verbal Domain
Scalarity in the Verbal Domain
Verbal prefixes in Slavic languages remain an intricate and puzzling phenomenon, raising questions about whether their behavior is governed by a systematic pattern, and if their attachment is subject to any kind of uniform semantic system. Olga Kagan offers a new unified analysis of Russian verbal prefixes which combines a formal semantic approach with detailed discussion of data. The book addresses two vital issues, both of which play an important role in modern linguistic research: the role of scalarity in natural language and, more specifically, within the verbal domain; and Slavic verbal prefixation. Accessibly written and illustrated with numerous examples, Scalarity in the Verbal Domain is important reading for researchers and students of formal semantics, cognitive linguistics and Slavic languages.
- Develops a unified approach to Russian verbal prefixes
- Provides detailed discussion and analysis of individual prefixes
- Intuitively explained and accessible to readers unfamiliar with formal logic
Reviews & endorsements
‘The scale hypothesis brings new life into the perennial discussion of whether it is possible to assign verbal prefixes with a uniform meaning despite their apparent polysemy. Kagan succeeds with her scalar approach in formulating a precise semantics for various prefixes in Russian. This important contribution to the field will certainly shape the discussion among semanticists and Slavicists alike in the years to come.' Atle Grønn, Universitetet i Oslo
'Most noticeably, the monograph is written in a clear, accessible language, it is perfectly structured, and the argumentation is thorough and transparent. The work is based on two semantic approaches: formal and cognitive. This makes the potential audience of the book fairly large and versatile.' Eugenia Romanova, The Linguist List (linguistlist.org)
Product details
October 2015Hardback
9781107092624
278 pages
236 × 160 × 22 mm
0.55kg
21 b/w illus. 12 tables
Available
Table of Contents
- 1. Scalarity and verbal prefixation
- 2. The prefixes po-, na- and pro-
- 3. The prefixes do-, nedo- and pri-
- 4. The prefixes pod- and pere-
- 5. The prefixes ot- and za-
- 6. Prefixes characterized by stronger restrictions
- 7. The scale hypothesis: principles and parameters
- 8. Prefixational genitive
- Conclusion.
