Juxtaposition as inferential bridge and breach: analysis of guesswork and presupposition

Abstract

Abstract In this paper we present a study on the ability to generate or contribute to creating ostensive-inferential relationships and implicit contents in juxtaposed sentences. We study both positive and negative idiosyncrasies of this syntactic resource from the diachronic review of some research in different areas, with the aim of understanding the semantic bridges and the interpretive breaches that occur with its use. We approach the functioning and differentiation of presupposition and guesswork, two types of implicit contents –conventional and unconventional, respectively–, and their creation from juxtaposed structures. Finally, we analyze newspaper headlines to illustrate implicit contents that the receiver can infer through the inferential mechanisms mentioned.

Keywords

• yuxtaposición
• sobreentendido
• presuposición
• relaciones ostensivo-inferenciales
• juxtaposition
• guesswork
• presupposition
• ostensive-inferential relationships