Authors and Corporations: | |
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In: | Mind & Language, 33, 2018, 1, p. 34-64 |
published: |
Wiley
|
Media Type: | Article, E-Article |
Physical Description: | 34-64 |
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ISSN: |
0268-1064
1468-0017 |
DOI: | 10.1111/mila.12168 |
published in: | Mind & Language |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Collection: | Wiley (CrossRef) |
<jats:p>Generics are exception‐admitting generalisations, which find expression in apparently diverse linguistic forms. A standard claim is that there is a hidden linguistic unity to genericity in the form of a covert operator, <jats:italic>Gen</jats:italic>. This article surveys and rejects a range of considerations that purport to show <jats:italic>Gen</jats:italic> to be syntactically essential to the explanation of a range of linguistic phenomena connected to genericity. The conclusion reached is that genericity is not a specifically linguistic property insofar as it does not supervene upon any especial linguistic device; rather, genericity supervenes on broader cognitive competencies within linguistic constraints.</jats:p> |