영어 중간문 형성제약

Abstract

This article assumes, following the assumptions of Oosten (1986) and Iwata (1999), that English middle constructions can be divided into two types: generic middle constructions and non-generic middle constructions. The former are interpreted as generic as well as take present tense and an implicit agent subject which is interpreted generically, whereas the latter are interpreted as specific and take past tense and progressive aspect with its implicit agent subject interpreted non- generically. The two types of middle constructions can be distinguished as follows: First, subjects of middle constructions possess theme, patient, instrument, location, experiencer, etc., that is, the other theta roles than agent. Subjects of English middle constructions are assumed to be an amalgam. Thus, theta roles in thematic hierarchy are combined with cause role in aspectual hierarchy under the assumptions of Grimshaw (1990). In generically interpreted middle constructions, the property of subject assumes the primary responsibility for the event denoted by middle verb and plays the part of cause; in non-generically interpreted middle constructions, a specific event or situation plays the part of cause. Second, middle verbs are lexically derived from transitive activity or accomplishment verbs, including [-state, +process] aspect features. After derivations, the verbs of generically interpreted middle constructions possess [+state, +process, +repetition] aspect feature, and those of non-generically interpreted middle constructions, [-state, +process, -repetition]. Third, the subjects of generically interpreted middle constructions are indefinite/generic, and those of non-generically interpreted middle constructions are definite/non-generic. The presence or absence of genericity in the subjects of middle constructions is closely related to the aspect features of middle verbs.