Chapter 18 Lexical Functions: Description of Lexical Relations in a ...

—Chapter 18. Lexical Functions— 102
14 (3.3.4, p. 00) In a particular case, a different solution of the problem of non-empty support
verbs is possible. A noun of COLÈRE type can be defined as ((a) X’s emotion … or (b) X’s
general state caused by this emotion). With such a disjunctive definition, we could postulate that
être [en ~] works for the ‘global’ meaning of COLÈRE, while éprouver et ressentir are con-
strained: “only COLÈRE(a)”.
15 (3.3.4, No. 43, p. 00) A main Surface-Syntactic Object of an LU L is either its Dir(ect) O(b-
ject) (if L can have a DirO), or its Indir(ect)O (if L cannot have a DirO), or the strongest Prep(o-
sitional)O (in the absence of both DirO and IndirO).
16 (3.3.4, p. 00) Interestingly, the book by Deribas presents 4962 phrases using 723 different sup-
port verbs. This clearly illustrates the wealth of support verbs and corresponding constructions—
at least, in Russian.
17 (3.3.4, Nos. 49-51, p. 00) In conformity with Kahane & Mel’čuk 2006, we call a causation
verb a verb that expresses the meaning of causation, without indicating the result of the latter;
thus, [to] CAUSE, FORCE [Y to do Z], LEAD [Y to do Z], PROVOKE, PRODUCE, ALLOW, STOP [Y
from doing Z], etc. are causation verbs.
18 (3.3.4, Nos. 49-51, p. 00) ÊTRE à does not appear as such in French as the value of Func1 of
ENVIE: *l’envie d’y aller est à Pierre.
19 (3.3.4, p. 00) An excellent illustration of values of the LF Real (and AntiReal) in English is
offered in Montreal’s The Gazette, Sept. 28, 1985, in a letter to the columnist Ann Landers,
which I reproduce here:
Dear Ann:
I discovered this item stuck in an old book. It was written in longhand and there is no sign
of an author. I hope you will print it. I found it highly inspirational. —T.D.
Dear T. D.: So did I. Here it is:
What is Life?
Life is challenge ... meet it.
Life is a gift ... accept it.
Life is an adventure ... dare it.
Life is a sorrow ... overcome it.
Life is a tragedy ... face it.
Life is a duty ... perform it.