theos and ho theos'
GregStffrd at aol.com
GregStffrd at aol.com
Fri Mar 2 09:43:20 EST 2001
In a message dated 03/01/2001 8:15:43 PM Pacific Standard Time,
dixonps at juno.com writes:
<< In every case I was looking for the leading nuance of the noun and
assumed it could be either definite, indefinite or qualitative, but only
one of these. I never considered that a predicate nominative would
receive definite or indefiniteness emphasis simply by fronting it. I
would like to see that demonstrated. >>
Dear Paul:
I am aware of your statistics, having in hand a copy of your fine thesis.
However, there is no evidence that I can see that supports your conclusions
regarding qualitative nouns. There are opinions about what the context
suggests or how a purely qualitative meaning for a particular term could fit
into various contexts, but I see nothing that proves that a particular
fronted PN does not retain its indefinite or definite semantic while the
noun's qualities are highlighted.
Also, I never said that the PN's indefiniteness or definiteness would be
emphasized by fronting; I do not believe that, either. What I said was "the
qualities of [indefinite or definite nouns] receive emphasis by means of
fronting." I do not believe that any PNs somehow lose or do not convey an
indefinite or definite semantic simply because they are fronted.
I am more than willing, however, to consider with you and others who share an
opinion different from my own, the grammatical evidence that leads you to
your conclusion.
Best regards,
Greg Stafford
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