THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MODALIZED EXPRESSION PODE SER. A CASE OF (INTER)SUBJECTIFICATION IN PORTUGUESE

Based on a functionalist approach, this paper analyzes the modalized expression pode ser as a complement-taking predicate which embeds a proposition (pode ser1) and as an independent structure (pode ser2), in contemporary written and spoken Brazilian Portuguese texts. We aim to identify degrees of (inter)subjectivity, revealing a process of (inter)subjectification (TRAUGOTT, 2010 among others). The analysis carried out in this paper is supported by parameters of (inter)subjectivity of modal elements (TRAUGOTT; DASHER, 2002) and by the notion of modality as a multifunctional category, serving not only to encodethe speaker’s attitude regarding the modalized content, but also as a pragmatic strategy, as a regulator of communicative situation. The exam reveals pode ser as a strongly demanded structure in interaction, a fairly requested set and also productive and useful for interpersonal relationships. The examination of semantic, discursive and morphosyntactic properties indicates a shift from syntax (pode ser1) to discourse (pode ser2), interpreted as a development of (inter)subjectification.

本研究采用功能主义视角，以当代书面与口语巴西葡萄牙语文本为语料，将模态化表达pode ser分析为两类结构：一是嵌入命题的带补语谓词（pode ser1），二是独立结构（pode ser2）。本研究旨在识别交互主观性（intersubjectivity）的程度，揭示交互主观化（intersubjectification）的过程（Traugott，2010等）。本文所开展的分析，以模态成分的交互主观性参数（Traugott; Dasher，2002）以及“情态为多功能范畴”的概念为支撑：情态不仅用于编码说话者针对模态化内容的态度，同时亦可作为语用策略，对交际场景起到调节作用。分析结果显示，pode ser是交际互动中需求度极高的结构，使用需求旺盛，且在人际关系构建中兼具生成性与实用性。对语义、话语及形态句法属性的考察表明，pode ser呈现出从句法用法（pode ser1）向话语用法（pode ser2）的转变，这一转变可被视为交互主观化的发展进程。