VERBS OF SPEECH AND COGNITION: STRUCTURAL PATTERNS IN NEW MEXICAN SPANISH
From a usage-based approach, this dissertation explores the relationship between structural variability and discourse subjectivity in a series of interviews from the New Mexico and Southern Colorado Spanish Survey (Bills and Vigil 2008). Focusing on the use of cognitive and speech verbs, the analysis will demonstrate that a) structural patterns arising from said interaction form a continuum ranging from schematic to fixed constructions; b) the degree of morpho-syntactic variability of these constructions correlates to the speakers stance towards the information being communicated; and c) in actual interaction, speakers frequently introduce subjective nuances, even if the topic of the discourse may be associated with mere transmission of propositional information. To address the aforementioned goals, a set of features is proposed to determine whether frequent subject-tense combinations are becoming prefabs or formulaic expressions, or whether they are schematic constructions merely transmitting propositional information. Previous studies have explored structural patterns of subjectivity in conversation, either examining a wide range of verbal classes (Scheibman 2002) or focusing on specific verbs and their relation to other items in the semantic class (Tao 2001; Weber and Bentivoglio 1991), as well as the subjectification of specific verbs (Company Company 2006a; Company Company 2006b; Travis 2005; Travis 2006a; Travis 2006b). This study contributes to the understanding of emergent grammar, subjectivity, and subjectification across languages by addressing the patterning of frequently used semantic classes and verbs in a context of language and sociocultural contact. The study aims to contribute as well to the revalorization of New Mexican Spanish by demonstrating that structural patterns emerging from the discourse of its speakers are as systematic as those arising from the discourse of speakers of more prestigious dialects of the language.
Functional Syntax, Semantics, Subjectivity, New Mexican Spanish, Usage-based theory
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