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Modality's semantic maps. An investigation of some Latin modal forms

Summary In the recent literature on grammaticalization we find that, since modal meanings arise from a restricted set of semantic sources (i.e. lexical items that refer explicitly to concepts related to possibility, necessity, etc.), cross-linguistically similar paths for the evolution of grammatical markers are predictable, and multiple uses of forms can be viewed as points on grammaticalization chains. The purpose of this investigation, which takes into account the data provided by extensive typological research and the theoretical framework offered by Role and Reference Grammar, is to test these findings and predictions about universal modal paths. Starting from the analysis of the modal forms possum, licet, debeo, oportet, and necesse est, I will also propose a semantic map of modality for Latin.