RELATIVE SUBJECTIFICATION AND A SEMANTIC NETWORK MODEL OF ENGLISH MODAL AUXILIARIES

Abstract

This paper analyzes modal semantics in terms of Cognitive Grammar. By employing such cognitive notions as subjectification and grounding, modal meanings, which are often described in terms of ad hoc classifications like ability, obligation, or permission, may be captured by means of more fundamental semantic notions. Moreover, it is shown that they may be represented in a semantic network model based on the categorizing relationships of extension and schematization. Finally, it is proposed that this analysis also contributes to an explanation of the historical development of the modals, wherein one may observe what shall be termed promotion and recruitment effects, which crucially depend on the relative subjectification of modal meanings.