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Article published In: Language, Context and Text
Vol. 3:2 (2021) ► pp.200–226

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A preliminary description of mood in Welsh

ORCiD logo with link | Cardiff University
 | Cardiff University
Published online: 15 October 2021
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/langct.20007.fon
Abstract
In this paper we propose a functional account of the Welsh mood system, focussing on responsives in particular. The discourse functions of responsives are interpreted through the concept of negotiation within the systemic functional linguistic framework, which offers a rich model for accounting for both initiations and responses, including possible tracking and challenging moves. By examining the interaction of mood together with specific features of Welsh, e.g. a dominant VSO clause ordering, mood particles, Subject ellipsis and a complex system of negation, we are able to show that Welsh tends to highlight interpersonal meanings in clause initial position. As the first functional description of Welsh, we also set out important directions for future research, based on the findings presented in this paper.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Brief overview of the Welsh language
  • 3.Negotiation in Welsh
  • 4.Welsh Mood: Indicative, imperative and responsive clause types
  • 5.Summary and concluding remarks
  • Acknowledgements
  • Notes
  • References
References (36)
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Welsh Language Corpora
CEG – Cronfa Electroneg o Gymraeg [URL]
CorCenCC (Corpws Cenedlaethol Cymraeg Cyfoes – the National Corpus of Contemporary Welsh) [URL]
Corpus of Welsh Language Tweets [URL]
Corpws Hanesyddol yr Iaith Gymraeg 1500–1850 / A Historical Corpus of the Welsh Language 1500–1850 [URL]
SketchEngine [URL]
WordNet Cymraeg [URL]
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