Subjectification, intersubjectification and grammaticalization

More about the book

This volume provides a detailed, grammar-based exploration of (inter-)subjectivity and (inter-)subjectification in grammaticalization research. It critiques existing theories that are either too narrow or overly broad by addressing two key questions: the relationship between (inter-)subjectivity and pragmatics, and the distinction between subjective and intersubjective meanings. The theoretical framework is supported by extensive analytical and quantitative studies of empirical data, primarily from English, but also including Romance languages. The case studies focus on the analytical and diachronic connections between subjectivity and intersubjectivity, particularly how linguistic syntagms evolve to incorporate the hearer’s role. The research covers adverbials, modals, and the noun phrase, an area that has received less attention in grammaticalization studies. These domains collectively validate existing hypotheses regarding the sequence of subjectification and intersubjectification. This work is particularly relevant for researchers and graduate students interested in subjectification, intersubjectification, and grammaticalization, as well as those studying language change. It will also appeal to functional linguists, as it uniquely integrates eclectic functionalist perspectives into grammaticalization discussions.