Where Does (the Meaning of) a Tautology Come From?:

A Case Study of the What is X is X Construction*

Abstract

Following the view that tautologies are associated with conventionalized interpretations (e.g., Wierzbicka, 1987, 1988), this study examines the conventional aspects of tautologies within the framework of Construction Grammar. Specifically, it investigates the English expression what is X is X, such as what’s done is done, analyzing its synchronic features and diachronic development based on corpus data. The synchronic analysis demonstrates that expressions of the form what is V-en is V-en are grounded in what’s done is done as well as in related expressions that have specific interpretations conventionally associated with the pattern. The diachronic analysis indicates that such a foundational expression emerged through convergence with the broader type what is X is X, which developed from Middle English to Early Modern English. Based on these findings, this study argues that tautologies have individual, patterned interpretations and that each tautology needs to be analyzed individually as a construction. The study also highlights the significance of historical research on tautology.