Finite infinite? ‘Finite’ Uses of the Biblical Hebrew Infinitive Absolute and their Rationale 1

مرکز و کتابخانه مطالعات اسلامی به زبان های اروپایی

منو

" Finite infinite? ‘Finite’ Uses of the Biblical Hebrew Infinitive Absolute and their Rationale 1 "
C. H. J. A. van der Merwe, Alexander

Document Type	:	AL
Language of Document	:	English
Record Number	:	182747
Doc. NO	:	LA39136
Call No	:	‭10.1093/jss/fgu001‬
Main Entry	:	C. H. J. A. van der Merwe, Alexander
Title & Author	:	Finite infinite? ‘Finite’ Uses of the Biblical Hebrew Infinitive Absolute and their Rationale 1\ C. H. J. A. van der Merwe, Alexander
Title of Periodical	:	Journal of Semitic Studies
Date	:	2014
Volume/Isuee Number	:	59/2
Page Number	:	255-296
Abstract	:	This article demonstrates that the majority of senses offered by the infinitive absolute in Biblical Hebrew in its finite-like uses may be explained and mapped by means of typological evolutionary principles that govern the meaning extension of infinitives in languages of the world. In that manner, the authors posit a map for the finite-like uses of the infinitive absolute, linking them to the original non-finite character of the construction. That is to say, Biblical Hebrew conforms to three cross-linguistically common tendencies and employs its infinitive category (i.e. the infinitive absolute) in the following finite-like functions: deontic function (the infinitive absolute is used as an imperative and generic form), narrative function (it introduces a comment or specification, adds vivacity and functions as a present or past) and exclamatory function (it expresses deliberation and rhetorical questions). Furthermore, the authors argue that the infinitive absolute in its deontic and non-deontic finite-like uses should be viewed as a non-prototypical or ‘intermediate’ category, located between the non-finite and finite edges of the linguistic continuum.
electronic file name	:	10.1093-jss-fgu001.pdf