In order to present a comprehensive and all-embracing picture of a linguistic phenomenon like the “progressive” it is important to provide an analysis of the problem from both a synchronic and a diachronic point of view.
Following this rule the subsequent paper is divided into two main parts.
In the beginning I will try to give a global picture of the progressive form in English as it is used today and I will focus on its meaning and basic functions as well as on its separation from other linguistic states.
The second section of this paper is devoted to the historical sources of the English progressive diachronically emerging from Old English over Middle English and Early Modern English into the progressive taught in modern grammars and school books.
I do have to mention though that, since I am not a student of Old English or Middle English, my abilities in reading and understanding certain sources and interpretations are limited.
In the process of this work I have tried to use secondary sources on Old and Middle English rather than primary sources and I have also tried to leave out most references or citations to primary sources. Nevertheless I believe that, in this paper, I can prove and demonstrate that the English progressive form used nowadays is derived diachronically and directly from Old English.
I will present authors who support this view as well as others who oppose it. As my main source I would like to mention Johannes Scheffer, Bybee, Susan Fitzmaurice, Eva Edgren and Debra Ziegeler.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. The progressive: A synchronic approach
1.1 The present day progressive
1.2 The main meanings and the functions of the progressive
1.3 Other meanings
1.4 The Progressive in other languages than English (locative aspect)
2. The progressive: A diachronic approach
2.1 Progressive Sources
2.2 Progressive in Old English
2.3 Progressive in Middle English
Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the English progressive form by examining it through both synchronic and diachronic perspectives, ultimately seeking to trace its historical development and functional evolution.
- Synchronic analysis of the modern progressive's meanings and functions.
- Examination of the progressive in cross-linguistic contexts, focusing on the locative aspect.
- Diachronic investigation of the progressive's origins from Old English to Middle English.
- Discussion of grammaticalisation and the historical development of the English progressive.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 The present day progressive
The progressive is one of those subtle grammatical distinctions that ‘even five-year-old children maintain flawlessly’ if they happen to be native speakers of English. To give an adequate description of it which will enable foreign learners of the language to use it correctly is another thing.6
With these lines Johannes Scheffer opens his voluminous discussion about the nature and the history of the progressive. In 1974 he tried to give an extensive overview about the progressive’s usage and its development.
In the process of this term paper I will try to go along his lines in order to present a comprehensive picture of the progressive’s meaning and functions:
The most satisfactory description will be one which assigns a basic meaning to the progressive and subsequently accounts for distinct separate uses as derived from the basic meaning.7
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Outlines the dual synchronic and diachronic approach used to analyze the linguistic phenomenon of the progressive.
1. The progressive: A synchronic approach: Explores the modern usage, basic functions, and structural composition of the progressive in contemporary English.
1.1 The present day progressive: Provides an overview of the progressive's nature and the difficulty in establishing a singular, all-encompassing definition.
1.2 The main meanings and the functions of the progressive: Discusses the primary role of marking imperfective aspect and duration within various sentence contexts.
1.3 Other meanings: Analyzes secondary functions such as the "time-frame theory" and the role of the progressive in creating graphic effects.
1.4 The Progressive in other languages than English (locative aspect): Investigates the cross-linguistic link between progressive constructions and locative adverbial phrases.
2. The progressive: A diachronic approach: Shifts focus to the historical evolution of the progressive from its potential origins.
2.1 Progressive Sources: Discusses the hypothesis that the modern progressive evolved from locative expressions involving an active agent.
2.2 Progressive in Old English: Examines early evidence of progressiveness in Old English, noting the reliance on Latin translations and specific poetic structures.
2.3 Progressive in Middle English: Tracks the transition of the progressive through Middle English and the phonetic changes that solidified the "-ing" form.
Conclusion: Synthesizes findings, reaffirming the historical continuity of the progressive despite historical shifts and its ongoing grammaticalisation.
Keywords
Progressive, Diachronic, Synchronic, Imperfective Aspect, Grammaticalisation, Duration, Old English, Middle English, Locative Aspect, Verb, Linguistic Development, Time-frame theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this paper?
This research paper examines the English progressive form, analyzing its meaning, functions, and historical development from Old English to the present day.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The study covers modern grammatical usage, the connection between progressive aspect and locative constructions, and the diachronic evolution of the progressive.
What is the primary research goal?
The goal is to demonstrate that the modern English progressive is derived diachronically and directly from earlier English structures, despite the influence of historical shifts.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The work utilizes a combination of a synchronic overview of current usage and a diachronic analysis, supported by existing secondary literature and historical text sources.
What does the main body cover?
The main body is divided into two sections: one addressing the current usage and meanings of the progressive, and the other detailing its historical emergence and development through different periods of English.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Progressive, Diachronic, Synchronic, Grammaticalisation, Duration, Old English, Middle English, and Locative Aspect.
How does the author define the relationship between the progressive and location?
The author argues, supported by cross-linguistic evidence, that the progressive aspect is often closely linked to locative adverbial phrases that eventually transposed from a spatial to a temporal meaning.
What is the author's stance on the link between Old and Middle English progressives?
The author argues against the idea that the progressive "died out" between Old and Middle English, suggesting instead a sense of continuation and amalgamation of earlier forms into the modern structure.
- Citation du texte
- Sebastian Goetzke (Auteur), 2003, The Development of the Progressive in English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/20503
