1887
image of The middle-field restriction of Germanic modal particles

Abstract

Abstract

Modal particles are often considered a distinctive feature of Germanic languages with V2 word order and are typically confined to the middle field. Previous research has largely addressed their semantic and pragmatic development, usually within individual languages. This squib shifts the focus to syntax, offering a comparative Germanic perspective on the emergence and structural behavior of modal particles and examining their interaction with the V2 property.

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2025-12-16
2026-01-13
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  • Article Type: Research Article
Keywords: grammaticalization ; middle-field ; syntax ; Germanic modal particles ; Abraham’s paradox
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