The Moods of Homeric Greek

1. Auflage 2011
ISBN: 978-0-521-30055-1
Verlag: Cambridge University Press

Buch, Englisch, 278 Seiten, Format (B × H): 140 mm x 216 mm, Gewicht: 354 g

Reihe: Cambridge Classical Studies

Homeric Greek has a particularly rich system of moods which are analysed in this 2007 book in the light of theoretical interest in the semantic domain of modality. The domain is one of the most complex and interesting, since modal forms are used for the most 'subjective' of messages, expressing our beliefs, intentions, desires, abilities and wishes. Incorporating findings from the theory of grammaticalisation, this study considers the Homeric Greek modal system from a diachronic perspective and offers a radical revision of traditional accounts. Providing insights into both individual constructions as well as the overall system of modality in Greek, it will be of interest to general linguists, linguists studying ancient Greek, and also scholars interested in fundamental questions of meaning in Greek. The indices, where all the instances of the moods in the Homeric poems are categorised into types, also make it useful as a research tool.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Willmott, Jo

Fachgebiete

• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Einzelne Sprachen & Sprachfamilien
• Geisteswissenschaften Sprachwissenschaft Historische & Vergleichende Sprachwissenschaft, Sprachtypologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Preliminaries; 2. Theoretical framework; 3. Indicative; 4. Subjunctive; 5. Optative; 6. Subordinate uses; 7. Conclusion.