The Do-Periphrasis in Greschòneytitsch: A Diachronic and Synchronic Analysis

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the diachronic and synchronic aspects of a distinctive linguistic feature known as the do-periphrasis in Greschòneytitsch, the Alemannic dialect spoken in the linguistic island of Gressoney, northwest Italy. Do-periphrasis, characterised by the non-finite nature of the main verb and the transfer of inflection to the auxiliary verb "do," represents a potential case of grammaticalisation within this dialect.

The diachronic dimension of this study involves an analysis of the "Prodigal Son" parable, translated into Greschòneytitsch in the 1850s, which stands as the oldest extant written document in this dialect. This historical examination is complemented by the analysis of modern texts and instances of language use, providing a longitudinal view of the do-periphrasis's evolution.

In parallel, the synchronic analysis is conducted through language elicitation tasks involving native speakers, who are tasked with describing a series of short videos. This approach not only offers insights into the current usage of do-periphrasis but also serves as a contemporary comparative framework against the historical data derived from the "Prodigal Son” parable.

The dual focus of this research aims to illuminate the phenomenon of do-periphrasis in Greschòneytitsch, seeking to determine whether the observed linguistic patterns signify a final stage of grammaticalisation in this diminishing language, or if they represent an independent linguistic event or variation. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of Alemannic dialects, particularly in the context of language change and grammatical evolution, and provides critical insights into the dynamics of a lesser-studied linguistic community.