Configuraciones espaciales estables en procesos de gramaticalización: un ejemplo en polaco

Abstract

Cognitive scientific tools have opened up a new path-way to the study of grammaticalization. Using some of these tools such as Blending theory, imageschemata, and connexionist networks in the analysis of Polish prefixes, we demonstrate that spatial configuration plays a prominent role in the implementation of grammatícalization. Specifically, we have examined the prefixes that derive from prepositions and the way they affect the semantics of £he verbs with which prepositions merge in the creation of a compound verb. The results show that the basic structuring function of prepositions remains stable after they have been grammaticalized into prefixes.