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Can, may, must and should: A Relevance theoretic account1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2008

Marjolein Groefsema
Marjolein Groefsema
Affiliation:
Department of Linguistics, University of Hertfordshire, Watford Campus, Aldenham, Watford Herts WD2 8AT, UK. E-mail:m.groefsema@herts.ac.uk
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Abstract

In this paper I argue that the polysemy view is not capable of giving a unified account of the meanings of CAN, MAY, MUST and SHOULD, whereas the unitary meaning view does not encounter the problems facing the polysemy view. I propose unitary meanings which are rich enough to account for the range of interpretations these modals can have, but which are specific enough to account for why they get these interpretations and not others. Proposing unitary meanings implies that we have to look for a theory of pragmatics which can explain how we achieve the different interpretations of these modals in use. I will argue that adopting the Relevance theory view of what drives interpretation gives us the basis for such an explanation.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Linguistics , Volume 31 , Issue 1 , March 1995 , pp. 53 - 79
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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