Doctoral Degrees (Ancient Studies)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Ancient Studies) by Author "Bivin, William E."

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    The particle אִם and conditionality in Biblical Hebrew revisited : a cognitive linguistic account
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Bivin, William E.; Van der Merwe, C. H. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The present work is an investigation into both the semantics and functions of the particle אִם , and the conditional and non-conditional constructions in which it is found in Biblical Hebrew. A fresh examination of the particle and conditionality in Biblical Hebrew is warranted for two reasons. First, recent studies of conditionality based on a cognitive-functional based classification of conditionals have yielded fruitful results, indicating that the function of conditionals contributes to their interpretation. This study seeks to determine if this schema yields a more satisfying account of conditionality in Biblical Hebrew, as well as a better understanding of verb use in these constructions, than the results proffered heretofore. Secondly, advances in the cognitive linguistic sub-theories of Mental Space Theory and Construction Grammar have been utilized in the abovementioned cognitive-functional studies of conditionality. This study applies these to the Biblical Hebrew data in order to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the semantics of אִם and meaning construction in the constructions in which it is used. This study will, therefore, offer an analysis of the different classes of אִם -conditional and non-conditional constructions (such as הֲ...אִם questions, עַד אִם and so forth). The semantics of the particle and the role it has in each construction is considered. Furthermore, this study investigates whether the aforementioned cognitive-functional schema yields generalizations regarding verb use that were not obtainable under the traditional framework. The study confirms that אִם is the prototypical hypothetical marker in Biblical Hebrew and that it functions to build different types of mental spaces. Contextual factors can conspire to promote non-hypothetical construals. Schematic semantic components of the particle, grounded in its role in conditionals, are employed in non-conditional constructions in order to build alternative and background-scenario spaces utilized in contextual meaning-construction. Included in the study is an examination of the patterns of verb use in אִם -conditionals. A complex of factors including discourse type and context, viewpoint of the speaker responsible for the conditional (narrator or character), epistemic stance, and the location of the eventuality vis-à-vis the speech event crucially influences verb choice. Predictable patterns emerge and are discussed.