Original scientific paper

Selected Indicators of Definiteness and Indefiniteness

Marija Zinka

Abstract

The paper briefly outlines the category of definiteness and its two denotations [+ definite], [- definite] and the means by which they are expressed. The analysis includes examples in which the form of the adjective does not allow an unambiguous conclusion on whether
these adjectives express the definiteness or indefiniteness of the noun with which they appear as attributes. The performed analysis results in the conclusion that the language offers auxiliary means not only for the detection of definiteness (demonstrative pronouns, verb aspect, cases of some nouns...) but also for the identification of the indefiniteness in forms in which it is not morphemically expressed. Such means primarily include additional adverbs (vrlo, jako, baš, onako, tako...), intensified adjectives ending in –cat (e.g.: novcat),
questions (koji?, kakav?), as well as information whether the adjective used as attribute was added as a part of a proper name, a denomination, a phraseme, a proverb.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

133883

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/133883

Publication date:

1.12.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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