Advances in Role and Reference Grammar

288 JULIA A. JOLLY

Figure 1: Interclausal Semantics Relations Hierarchy

Ideally, a sufficiently detailed componential analysis provides one LS

for a given lexical item, e.g., from, encompassing predicative and non-pre­

dicative functions. LSs will include: (1) components consisting of abstract

operators and sentential connectors and predicative primitives (e.g., be-at',

be-via'); (2) components necessary for specification of all functions, provid­

ing for alternative mixes of components in specific contexts; and (3) motiva­

tion for grouping of components provided by at least one functional use,

requiring all specified components. The latter constraint is posited to pre­

vent an ad hoc listing of components [a,b,c,d,e] for a given preposition

where no single functional role instantiates all components.

2.4 Basic primitives in prepositional analysis

In the preceding pages, we have restated the problem posed by this study,

discussed the approach to categorization underlying the analysis and

described the proposed prepositional classification system. We have dif­

ferentiated predicative and non-predicative functions, based on core-

peripheral syntactic status and semantic verbal valence. The interdepen­

dence of semantic valence, as realized in maximally expanded semantic

structures, and the Dowty/FVV verb classes, as determined by logical

entailments, has been explored. An investigation of these issues within

RRG outlines the parameters for analysis of semantic structures. This sec­

tion will motivate the specification of be-at' and be-via' as basic primitives