ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-134-014 · ATLAS 251

Mirativity

A linguistic marker indicating that a piece of information is new, surprising, or contrary to expectation.

Explanation

A linguistic marker indicating that a piece of information is new, surprising, or contrary to expectation. Not only the fact itself, but also its clash with an expectation is expressed linguistically.

Example

A construction can indicate that the speaker is just discovering a state of affairs unexpectedly.

Counterexample

Not every emotionally charged utterance is automatically marked as mirative.

Distinction

Distinction from evidentiality: not every emotionally charged utterance is automatically marked as mirative.

Effect on thought and perception

Not only the fact itself, but also its clash with an expectation takes on linguistic form.

Resonance

Mirativity renders a directed relationship perceptible: not only the fact itself but also its clash with an expectation assumes linguistic form.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Mirativity“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-134-014. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-014

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-134-014

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