Reflexive-Dative Constructions with Optative Meaning in Bulgarian

Abstract

This article analyzes and compares two types of Bulgarian reflexivedative constructions with optative meaning: bi-clausal (Иска ми се да танцувам ‘I wish to dance’) and monoclausal (Танцува ми се ‘I feel like dancing’). It presents the structural and semantic specificity of these constructions as well as the possibilities and constrains for their use. Both structures are distinguished by the presence of a verb in the third person, the reflexive particle се and an obligatory dative clitic expressing an experiencer argument. The bi-clausal constructions are viewed as resulting from optative diathesis: аз искам да ‘I want to’ → иска ми се да ‘I wish to’. The monoclausal constructions are viewed as resulting from a further transformation: Иска ми се да танцувам → Танцува ми се. The semantic specialization of the monoclausal constructions is to express a desire for something based on an internal need (primary or secondary). The dative argument is understood as a ‘feel like/experiencer’ subject of the denoted event.