The Random Choice indefinite in Telugu: high or low event modal anchor, total & equal variation
Rahul Balusu
June 2017
 

In this paper we analyse the distribution and interpretation of the Telugu Random Choice indefinite eedoo oka. We show that eedoo oka is more free in its distribution than the Spanish equivalent as its lexical semantics allows more freedom for modal anchors (speech event or verbal event) and modal bases (epistemic or root). It introduce a layer of quantification over possible worlds, and induces a presupposition of variation on either root worlds or epistemic worlds. It triggers a total and equal variation modal presupposition. A high event anchor leads to an epistemic modal base, and a low event anchor gives rise to a circumstantial modal base. The Ordering Source is Bouletic, Deontic, Teleological, etc. Modal Harmony arises when eedoo oka’s modal anchor gets bound by the anchor of the verbal modal. Unlike with other verbal modals, eedoo oka does not show modal harmony with the ability modal, except in special circumstances, due to an ‘equal variation’ requirement. We model this total and equal variation that explains the puzzle about the lack of harmony of eedoo oka with the ability modal.
Format: [ pdf ]
Reference: lingbuzz/003945
(please use that when you cite this article)
Published in: Proceedings of FASAL 7
keywords: modal anchor random choice indefinite, semantics, syntax
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