In this paper I propose the analysis of the meaning of English argue as a verb of report through the exploration of its patterns of combinability. The main goal is to show the effectiveness of a cognition-based model (cf. Cruse’s Dynamic Construal Approach, Croft & Cruse 2004), integrated with a pragmatico-semiotic perspective (cf. Sbisà 1989), in accounting for the multidimensionality allowed by the meaning of this verb as a case study (and of reporting verbs in general). In fact, the meaning of verbs of report is here regarded as a pragmatic function depending on a semantico-conceptual configuration, and as resulting from the modulation with the linguistic and communicative contexts. This work is part of a broader project on lexical complexity (directed by Prof. Bertuccelli Papi at Pisa University). The general notion of complexity taken into consideration is grounded on Merlini Barbaresi 2003 and is located by Bertuccelli Papi 2003 and 2004 (ed.) at the interface of lexical semantics, pragmatics and cognition. The study of combinatory patterns enables me to explore such a phenomenon as emerging from lexical items in use.
The meaning construal of argue as a verb of report
MASI, SILVIA
2006-01-01
Abstract
In this paper I propose the analysis of the meaning of English argue as a verb of report through the exploration of its patterns of combinability. The main goal is to show the effectiveness of a cognition-based model (cf. Cruse’s Dynamic Construal Approach, Croft & Cruse 2004), integrated with a pragmatico-semiotic perspective (cf. Sbisà 1989), in accounting for the multidimensionality allowed by the meaning of this verb as a case study (and of reporting verbs in general). In fact, the meaning of verbs of report is here regarded as a pragmatic function depending on a semantico-conceptual configuration, and as resulting from the modulation with the linguistic and communicative contexts. This work is part of a broader project on lexical complexity (directed by Prof. Bertuccelli Papi at Pisa University). The general notion of complexity taken into consideration is grounded on Merlini Barbaresi 2003 and is located by Bertuccelli Papi 2003 and 2004 (ed.) at the interface of lexical semantics, pragmatics and cognition. The study of combinatory patterns enables me to explore such a phenomenon as emerging from lexical items in use.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
