Original scientific paper

Too female to be ruthless and too pregnant to argue: semantic conflict and resolution in the [too ADJ to V]–construction*

Kim Ebensgaard Jensen ; Aalborg University, Denmark

Abstract

Taking usage–based construction grammar as its theoretical framework, this paper
addresses the interplay between construal operations and semantic conflict resolution in
anomalous instances of the relatively unexplored English [too ADJ to V]–construction.
Drawing on an open–ended questionnaire analysis in which native–speaker respondents
offer their readings of anomalous instances of the construction, the paper discusses strategies
of semantic construction–lexeme conflict resolution with a view to inferring construal
operations involved therein.

Keywords

construction–lexeme anomaly; construal; English; scalar adjectival construction; semantic conflict resolution

Hrčak ID:

125113

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/125113

Publication date:

16.7.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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