12.2553, Qs: Imperative Unaccusatives, "Grandmother"

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LINGUIST List:  Vol-12-2553. Sat Oct 13 2001. ISSN: 1068-4875.

Subject: 12.2553, Qs: Imperative Unaccusatives, "Grandmother"

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1)
Date:  Thu, 11 Oct 2001 15:02:32 +0100
From:  Jasper Holmes <j.w.holmes at 3f.co.uk>
Subject:  Imperative unaccusatives

2)
Date:  Fri, 12 Oct 2001 07:21:06 -0700
From:  Nancy Duncan <nduncan at jps.net>
Subject:  Grandparent

-------------------------------- Message 1 -------------------------------

Date:  Thu, 11 Oct 2001 15:02:32 +0100
From:  Jasper Holmes <j.w.holmes at 3f.co.uk>
Subject:  Imperative unaccusatives


It has been suggested to me that (non-stative) unnaccusative verbs
cannot be used in imperative constructions.

Does anyone have a view on whether this is so, and how it might be
explained if it is?

I have checked Levin's 'Verb of Change of State' (1993: 240-248), of
which there are 368, and only very few of them appear to tolerate
intransitive imperatives. One such imperative is shown in (1).

(1) [to kettle:] Boil, you blighter!

Is there a 'genuine' principle that blocks these imperatives or is it
'merely' a plausibility effect (eg use of the imperative implies the
possibility of agentive control)?

Replies please to: j.w.holmes at 3f.co.uk

[Levin, Beth. 1993. _English verb classes and alternations_. Chicago, UCP.]

+++++++++++++++
Jasper W Holmes
Analyst
3F Ltd
POBox 245
DH1 3TT


-------------------------------- Message 2 -------------------------------

Date:  Fri, 12 Oct 2001 07:21:06 -0700
From:  Nancy Duncan <nduncan at jps.net>
Subject:  Grandparent

I'm working on a book for baby boomer grandparents. I'd like to find
someone who has knowledge of the word: grandmother. By that I mean, the
historical perspection of the word, how grandmother is perceived in a
social context, with younger people, etc. Given agism is rampant, is the
word grandparent being percieved differently socially as baby boomers age
and enter this new role?

I would appreciate any input or help regarding this topic. Anything related
to this particular word would be most helpful.

I also wish to thank Ms. Speas for pointing out this site.

Best,
Nancy Duncan, MSW
530-622-8639
530-642-2486 fax

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