Title
Abstract
In this paper I examine the particle daL in Samish, which means “just” in non-negative environments and “(not) even” in negative contexts. I initially consider treating daL as a negative polarity item in this second use, and construct a semantic analysis which respects the intuition that it is fundamentally an exclusive particle. The investigation reveals that the major commonality between scalar exclusive particles and scalar additive particles in negative environments is an identical scalar presupposition. The discussion then turns to parallel particles in German and Dutch, and to the minimizer/diminisher distinction in English. I conclude that in the negative cases daL is an exclusive particle which is embedded within a larger complex particle which also contains an inherent even.
Recommended Citation
Shank, Scott
(2003)
"Not even in Samish,"
Semantics of Under-Represented Languages in the Americas: Vol. 2:
Iss.
1, Article 11.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.umass.edu/sula/vol2/iss1/11