Polysemic relational construction NP1 of NP2 in Brazilian Portuguese

Abstract

In this work, we will describe the relational construction NP1 de NP2, in Brazilian Portuguese, in terms of the different meanings this form can be associated with such as purpose, part-whole, identification, among others. We argue in favor of the hypothesis that those senses present similarities that could be associated with Langacker’s reference-point model (Langacker, 1991; 2003).The analysis is based on a Usage-based perspective of language, which assumes that grammar is modeled by the general-domain cognitive process and is sensitive the speaker’s experience.

Keywords

• construções relacionais. polissemia. linguística baseada no uso.