Modality from a Historical Perspective

Abstract

Abstract ‘Modality’ is defined as a semantic supercategory distinct from ‘modals’, which are structural expressions. Recent diachronic cross‐linguistic work on both modality and modals is reviewed, with particular attention to the role of dynamic (‘ability’) modality in the rise of modal expressions. Since much research in the last decade has focused on non‐verbal expressions of modality, the historical development of adjectives into modals, e.g. had better, Japanese –(r)eba ii ‘it is good if’, is highlighted, as is the development of modal adjectives, e.g. essential, and adverbs, e.g. surely. Modal expressions are shown to be subjectified over time, e.g. both deontic and epistemic must originated in relatively objective expressions, but are extended to meanings based in the speaker’s perspective, Japanese –be‐si ‘appropriate, inevitable’ (future‐oriented) came to be used subjectively to express speaker’s conjecture (present‐oriented). Finally some hypothesized correlations between culture, cultural change and shifts in modal meanings and uses are discussed.

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