The Degree Semantics Parameter and cross-linguistic variation

Abstract

The standard degree analysis of gradability in English holds that the function of degree morphology, such as the comparative, measure phrases, and degree adverbs, is to bind a degree variable located in the lexical semantics of gradable predicates. In this paper, I investigate gradation structures in Washo (isolate/Hokan), and claim that this language systematically lacks degree morphology of this sort. I propose that this gap in the functional inventory of Washo stems from variation in whether gradable predicates introduce degree variables that can be bound by such operators, providing further cross-linguistic support for a similar proposal made by Beck, Krasikova, et al. (2009) for Motu (Austronesian). Consequently, if we assume that gradable predicates in English are type d, e, t , then Washo and English must differ in their lexical semantics for gradable predicates. I also discuss an alternative account for handling the variation observed, couched within the degree-free analysis of van Rooij (2011a,b). Although this account can also capture the cross-linguistic facts, it does so at the expense of a unified analysis of degree constructions more generally. The results of this investigation inform questions about the nature of cross-linguistic * I am deeply grateful to my Washo consultants Ramona Dick and Steven James for teaching me their language. Thanks to

Interpreting Degree Semantics

“…Let us take a closer look at these explanations. First, we observe that two strings of words that appear to be syntactically 2 In English at least; (see, among others, Beck et al, 2004Beck et al, , 2010Bogal-Allbritten, 2013;Bochnak, 2015). 3 In this paper, the diacritics on sentences reflect my choices which, in some cases, differ from those of the authors whose work is under discussion.…”

4. Most historically

“…A point raised for example in Beck et al (2010) or Bochnak (2013) has to do with the very ontology of degrees. It is conceivable that certain lexical entries or combinations are not available in all languages, and similarly: not at all times in a given language (cf.…”

Graded Modality

“…However, speakers of these languages clearly understand that these concepts have graded structure. For instance, Bochnak (2014) shows that there is no evidence of grammatical gradability of any kind in the Native American language Washo, even though Washo has verbs corresponding closely to unmodified adjectives in English, like hot and heavy. These Washo verbs have the same kinds of meanings as English adjectives like hot and heavy: they are vague, and have context-dependent meanings which vary depending on (for example) whether we are talking about being heavy-for-a-baby, heavy-for-a-suitcase, or heavy-for-a-truck.…”