THE ROLE OF FEKSZIK AND HEVER QUASI-COPULAS IN LOCATIVE SENTENCES

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the uses and roles of the Hungarian quasi-copulas fekszik ’lie’ and hever ’lie around’. Our corpus-based analysis focuses on their role in locative sentences. Referring to both quasi-copulas, the paper summarizes the various types of the FIGURE (i.e. the subjects), as well as those of the GROUND (i.e. locative elements) occurring in locative sentences, and also gives an overview of the various types of relation between the two elements in question. Concerning both quasi-copulas, the analyses end in discussing the principle of function. Our analyses reveal that fekszik ’lie’ has a neutral meaning. Its use is not only directed by the geometric properties of the FIGURE and its relation to the GROUND but also it is often found in sentences that aim to describe that the given object cannot fulfill its role in the given position or orientation. Concerning the quasi-copula hever, expressing the unexpected position of the FIGURE, resulting in the failure of the object to perform its own function, has been shown to play a major role. The semantic component ’abandonment, neglectedness’ of the original meaning of the verb used with inanimate subjects, can often be detected in its quasi-copula role.