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Modality from a Historical Perspective
Author(s) -
Traugott Elizabeth Closs
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
language and linguistics compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.619
H-Index - 44
ISSN - 1749-818X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-818x.2011.00280.x
Subject(s) - modal verb , modality (human–computer interaction) , linguistics , deontic logic , perspective (graphical) , modal , epistemic modality , grammaticalization , expression (computer science) , psychology , philosophy , computer science , artificial intelligence , verb , chemistry , polymer chemistry , programming language
‘Modality’ is defined as a semantic supercategory distinct from ‘modals’, which are structural expressions. Recent diachronic cross‐linguistic work on both modality and modals is reviewed, with particular attention to the role of dynamic (‘ability’) modality in the rise of modal expressions. Since much research in the last decade has focused on non‐verbal expressions of modality, the historical development of adjectives into modals, e.g. had better, Japanese –(r)eba ii ‘it is good if’, is highlighted, as is the development of modal adjectives, e.g. essential, and adverbs, e.g. surely. Modal expressions are shown to be subjectified over time, e.g. both deontic and epistemic must originated in relatively objective expressions, but are extended to meanings based in the speaker’s perspective, Japanese –be‐si ‘appropriate, inevitable’ (future‐oriented) came to be used subjectively to express speaker’s conjecture (present‐oriented). Finally some hypothesized correlations between culture, cultural change and shifts in modal meanings and uses are discussed.