Dejar como verbo de causatividad positiva

Abstract

This paper describes the semantic and syntactic conditions determining causative constructions with dejar (dejar + infinitive/gerund) inducing positive causation. Based on 20th Century Mexican Spanish data, we will argue that the type of causation of these structures is determined by the way in which the causative force is imposed —according to Force Dynamics (Talmy, 1988). This is determined by the verb internal structure, the features of the stimulus inciting the event and the reaction of the causee to the main event impulse (resistance/participation).