Semantics 5: Lexical and Grammatical Meaning

Lexical Meaning: concrete, specific

e.g. gwo3 cross, pass, gan2 tight

Grammatical Meaning: abstract, vague

e.g. lek1 gwo3 ngo5 smarter than me (comparative)

gwo3 as in heoi3-gwo3 have been (experiential aspect)
gan2 as in dang2-gan2 waiting (progressive aspect)

Relationship between lexical and grammatical meaning:

(i) historical derivation (comparative gwo derives from the verb gwo pass)
(ii) synchronic polysemy (gwo can mean cross, pass or surpass)

Grammaticalization: the process by which lexical morphemes acquire grammatical

meanings/functions

general hypothesis: all grammatical morphemes derive from lexical sources

specific hypotheses: e.g. all/most progressive morphemes derive from locative expressions;
future tense typically derives from motion verbs

Grammaticalization pathways: routes from lexical to grammatical meaning

location -> action in progress

locative progressive
Mandarin: Ta zai Taiwan Ta zai chang ge
s/he at Taiwan s/he at sing song

Malay: sedang middle; sedang + verb -> progressive

dia sedang bercakap dengan jirannya.

he middle chat with neighbour-his
He was (in the middle of) talking to his neighbour.

motion - > future

Were going to study French next year.

French: On va tudier lallemand.

one goes study German
Were going to study German.
Evidence for synchronic relationships between lexical and grammatical meaning

lexical retention: prior lexical meanings constrain grammatical functions

going to [+ intentional]

Im going to have my hair cut (causative, intentional)

? Im going to have my car stolen (indirect passive, unintentional)

intermediate cases as missing links:

English: Were going to have lunch now. (movement and/or immediate future)

Mandarin: Ta zai tushuguan du shu (locative and progressive)

Shes in the library studying.

Cantonese: Lei5 hang2ding6 leng3 dak1 gwo3 keoi5.

You can definitely beat (surpass) her for looks.

Transparency of lexical sources especially in creoles due to recent development

Tok Pisin: belong (lexical) -> possessive (grammatical)

mi no save nem bilong en

I not know name belong her
I dont know her name

Runionnais (French creole): finish (lexical) -> perfect tense (grammatical)

li fini fatig
he finish tired
he has become tired

Haitian creole: pass (lexical) -> exceed (grammatical: comparative)

bel pase tout

beautiful pass all
the most beautiful