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

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,...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Authors: Merwe, Christo H. J. van der 1957- (Author) ; Andrason, Alexander W. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Oxford University Press [2014]
In: Journal of Semitic studies
Year: 2014, Volume: 59, Issue: 2, Pages: 255-296
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary: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.
ISSN:1477-8556
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of Semitic studies
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1093/jss/fgu001