Modal scenarios, topoi and incongruity in expressive constructions

Abstract

This paper is a contribution to the reflection on the semantic and pragmatic interface in Construction Grammar. Using the example of a particular construction, the Incongruous Sanction Construction, it shows the role played by the notions of modal scenario and topos in qualifying the incongruity present in this construction. This qualification (in this case, axiological) is decisive insofar as it constitutes the necessary condition for the conventionalisation of the expressive value. Constructions that do not meet this condition have expressive values that must be determined from the context.

Keywords

• modal scenario
• topos
• construction
• expressivity
• incongruity