Construções complexas com conectores [[vparticípio+que] ⇔ conector] e [[vgerúndio+que] ⇔ conector] no português brasileiro

Abstract

This thesis specifically focuses on the study of verbal base connectors in Brazilian Portuguese, by theory of Construction Grammar and Usage-Based Models (BYBEE, 2010, 2016; GOLDBERG, 2006; LANGACKER, 2008; TRAUGOTT, TROUSDALE, 2013). Based on previous studies (CLEMENTE, 2020), this research expands the network of connectors to include new constructions, [[Vparticípio+que] ⇔ connector] and [[Vgerúndio+que] ⇔ connector], investigating the criteria for the choice of verbs and the semantic values expressed by these slots. The main objective is to expand the network of verbal base connectors in Portuguese, contributing to a broader understanding of complex constructions and connectors. The specific objectives are to identify the criteria that determine the choice of verbs in the constructions [[Vparticiple+que] ⇔ connector] and [[Vgerund+que] ⇔ connector], identify and describe the different semantic values expressed by these constructions, such as conditional, causal, concessive, adversative, additive, explanatory, and conclusive, and to perform an in-depth analysis of the verbal base connectors already recognized in the literature, as well as introduce and describe new ones, contributing to the update of the network of verbal base connectors. The analyses were conducted using real usage data collected from the Corpus do Português, with a panchronic approach (Historical and NOW corpus data). The analysis parameters included the order of the connector, the mode-temporal correlation of the verbs, the telicity of the verbs, the factuality of the verbs accompanying the base of the connectors, and the semantics of the verbs in the V slot. The results show that to fill the V slot in [[Vparticiple+que] ⇔ connector], the verbs must be factual and have mental semantic value, such as "see," or relational, such as "put" and "give," which reflect cognitive states or factual relations precisely and objectively, generally in postposed constructions with verbs in the indicative mode and telic. For [[Vgerund+que] ⇔ connector], mental and relational verbs are preferred, such as "assume" and "be," which can be factual or non- factual and used predominantly in anteposed constructions. The flexibility of gerund connectors allows for a wide range of semantic expressions, unlike participial connectors, which are more restricted and stable. The analysis demonstrates that contemporary Portuguese benefits from the innovation and adaptation of gerund connectors, while participial connectors reflect the tradition and precision of older linguistic structures. This research significantly contributes to the understanding of the evolution and use of connectors in the Portuguese language, paving the way for future investigations into their complexities and dynamics.