Gramatikalizazio-prozesu bat: Baina enklitikoa

Abstract

The current paper proposes to classify the basque unit known as “-baina enklitikoa” on a gradual axis in which it would take an intermediate place between the conjonction of coordination baina (that has the same written form) and the concessive conjonctions of subordination. Baina Enlitikoa shares with the last ones commun meaning and some pragmatic features. But formal features allow to distinguish the enclitic particle from other conjonctions. So that, evidence such as its accent behaviour and distribution go to show that it is not an element of coordination. Other formal evidence related with distribution does not permit a classification of the enclitic -baina among the concessive conjonctions of subordination. In fact, it can be bounded to other elements of this sentence, whereas concessive conjonctions must follow verbal form, without any other possibility. For these reasons, it is proposed that we are dealing with a [-coordinative], [-subordinative] element, that needs a gradual scale. In order to explain the special status of Baina Enklitikoa it is said that a grammaticalization process has taken place by which the conjonction of coordination has been grammaticalized, approaching the concessive elements, without been integrated in them. A similar process has happened in Catalan language where it seems to be achieved whereas in Basque language it is not.