Multiple source explanation in language change

doi:10.1075/dia.24060.bre

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Multiple source explanation in language change

2025-09-01

Tine Breban

Kersti Börjars *

Lorenzo Moretti

DOI：10.1075/dia.24060.bre

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Abstract

En 中文

The development of the English auxiliary do is a well-studied phenomenon, but there is no agreement on its source (see Denison 1993: Chapter 10). It has been suggested in the literature that a mono-causal account cannot satisfactorily capture the development (e.g., Fischer et al. 2017; Van der Auwera & Genee 2002), but no worked out alternative has been provided. In this article, we focus on the pre-innovation Old English stage and explore what properties of the verb itself and the verbal system of which it formed a part conspired to lead to the innovation. On the basis of this we propose a multiple source account in which both primary sources - uses of Old English don that form the building blocks of the innovative use - and secondary sources - properties of the language system that facilitated the development - play a crucial role. We also argue that our account expands the inventory of types of multiple source explanations (cf. De Smet et al. 2015).

Keywords:

multiple source explanations

auxiliary do

Old English

causative

composite predicate