Towards a syntactic-semantic typology of presentation scale sentences in fiction narratives

Vol.37,No.1(2011)

Martin Adam

https://doi.org/10.5817/BSE2011-1-1

Stable URL (handle):
http://hdl.handle.net/11222.digilib/118119

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Abstract
In the framework of FSP every sentence implements one of the dynamic semantic scales, which functionally reflect the distribution of communicative dynamism and operate irrespective of word order. In principle, Firbas distinguishes two types of dynamic semantic scales: the Presentation Scale and the Quality Scale. The present paper looks at the role of the English verb operating in Presentation Scale sentences within fiction narratives from the point of view of both dynamic and static semantics; it also aims at a syntactic-semantic typology of the sentences implementing the Presentation Scale. Specifically, the Firbasian phenomenon of presentation or appearance on the scene is examined and exemplified by means of statistical and FSP analysis of a sample corpus based on a fiction narrative text by C.S. Lewis, viz. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Keywords:
FSP; presentation; verb; scale; narrative; Firbas

Pages:
5–19
References

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