The conceptualization of change of state in verbs coming from gentilicios

This paper has as its aim to examine the way in which the meaning of the derivative base (regardless of its denominal or deadjectival nature, although it will be demonstrated here that it rather follows an adjectival behavior) influences the semantics of verbs coming from gentilicios (africanizar/se, gauchear, etc.) and, consequently, to identify the underlying argument structure in each case, as well as their main aspectual properties. The conceptual components involved in the process leading to the formation of these complex units can appear explicitly or amalgamate with the verb. According to the semantically conflated component, the argument scheme will be different: Hacer X a Y [To make Y become X], Hacerse X [To become X] or Comportarse X [To behave X]. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting that the border between the last two schemes is not always clear.