Modal meanings of the verb imati Cover Image

Модална значења глагола имати
Modal meanings of the verb imati

Author(s): Jelena Marković Nikolajeva
Subject(s): Language studies, Language and Literature Studies, Theoretical Linguistics, Semantics, South Slavic Languages
Published by: Филозофски факултет, Универзитет у Новом Саду
Keywords: the verb imati; modal verbs; deontic modality; dynamic modality; epistemic modality

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to describe modal meanings and morpho-syntax of the verb imati (eng. to have). By analyzing the examples for modal usage of this verb, we established that deontic meaning is dominant and that the verb imati can have dynamic and even epistemic modal meaning. We made a conclusion that the meaning of strong obligation is a characteristic of conversational and administrative language. This paper shows that the verb imati has more types of modal meanings than was often stated by different authors.

  • Issue Year: 2023
  • Issue No: 54
  • Page Range: 75-92
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Serbian