Nederlandse Taalkunde - Volume 22, Issue 2, 2017

Abstract Quantitative er and ze This paper reconsiders the syntax of indefinite quantitative er and its definite counterpart ze. Quantitative er ‘there’ is obligatory in Dutch when the only visible element in a nominal group is a numeral. I argue that quantitative er is the pronominalization of a lower projection of the nominal group (DP-low) that contains directly modifying adjectives and complements of N but not relative clauses and Read More

Abstract Multimodal expressions of obviousness. An empirical corpus study This article presents a multimodal study of the expressions of obviousness in spoken Dutch. Natural conversations between two participants were studied to present an overview of the verbal and non-verbal elements that express obviousness and their interplay. Markers of obviousness are verbal elements like dus, ja, natuurlijk, gewoon and al Read More

Abstract In the Dutch used by Moroccan heritage youth one often encounters Moroccan Arabic and Berber function words inserted in otherwise Dutch discourse. This article studies a subset of these function words within the internet forum chaima.nl, a forum geared towards adolescent girls and young women of Moroccan descent in the Netherlands and Flanders. It aims to show that one major function of the insertion of thes Read More

Abstract Detecting salient features: in defence of a multidimensional approach This paper addresses the question how salience, i.e. the perceptual and cognitive prominence of language features (Kerswill & Williams 2002: 63), can be studied and explained. Within language change studies, the concept of salience is often called upon to explain why certain language features are more prone to change than others, but empirical d Read More

Abstract The word licht ’light’, meaning not heavy, can be used as an intensifier (adverb of degree). As such it is unique, because it can function both as a a downtoner and an amplifier. In the latter function it combines with (weak) modal expressions, in particular with modal infinitive constructions like te begrijpen ‘to understand’ and with adjectives with the suffix –baar, like ontvlambaar ‘inflammable’. In combination Read More