Unit 3 - 3. Experiencers and Raising

Understanding Dative Constructions in Raising Sentences

Introduction to Dative and Raising Constructions

• The discussion focuses on the dative case as it expresses an experiencer in raising constructions, particularly within the context of argumental data.

• Examples illustrate how subjects can be raised from embedded clauses to matrix clause positions, such as transforming "it seems that he's doing something" into "he seems to be doing something."

Semantic Construal of Raising Predicates

• The semantic construal for raising predicates is identified as accusative, which conveys a state rather than an inherent quality.

• These constructions resemble existential sentences, where the theme and location are clearly defined (e.g., "It seems to me that Jay lies").

Comparison with Other Constructions

• The speaker compares raising constructions with actions like coming or going, emphasizing that these examples express states rather than changes.

• Both accusative and dative constructions involve a figure and ground; however, one may represent a state while the other indicates a change.

Spanish Language Context

• In Spanish, the null expletive phenomenon is discussed, highlighting how it does not require phonological realization when there’s a nominal subject present.

• Subject-to-subject raising occurs from embedded clauses to matrix clauses without needing an overt subject marker.

Generalizations and Restrictions

• The speaker outlines generalizations regarding imperfective aspects in matrix clauses where experiencers may be optional or required based on verb aspect.

• If verbs contain perfective features, an overt experiencer becomes necessary; otherwise, generic readings are possible.

Progressive Aspect Considerations

• When discussing progressive aspects encoded by certain verbs, having an overt experiencer is mandatory.

Understanding Gradual Inception and Mood in Language

The Concept of Telos and State Inception

• The discussion begins with the idea of "telos," suggesting that there is a goal or achievement to be reached, which influences how states are interpreted.

• A non-canonical combination of progressive aspect with a stated verb indicates gradual inception into a state, implying an achievement. This reflects the concept of elicity as a manifestation of perfectiveness.

Subjunctive Mood and Irrealis Situations

• Transitioning from aspect to mood, it is noted that if an embedded finite clause contains subjunctive mood in its imperfected preterite form, it describes an irrealis situation.

• Such situations may appear hypothetical but convey a sense of reality; examples include rejected comparisons like "I feel as if I were flying."

Non-assertive Contexts and Epistemic Modality

• The term "seems" functions as an epistemic model, expressing modality where the embedded clause can describe unlikely or plausible events occurring at the moment.

• The subjunctive mood is only licensed in non-assertive contexts; assertive contexts do not permit its use.

Raising Constructions and Predicate Types

• Two types of predicates are distinguished: individual level predicates and state level predicates, each interacting differently with raising constructions.

• An exception exists where simultaneous occurrence of subject raising and experiencer expression through clitics is possible when using individual level predicates.

Accusative Constructions Comparison

• A comparison between accusative constructions reveals differences in thematic roles; themes are expressed distinctly based on whether they involve clitic expressions or arbitrary readings.