Degree achievements and maximalization: a cross-linguistic perspective

Abstract

This paper discusses degree achievements cross-linguistically, focusing on the maximalization possibilities reported in the literature. I introduce a four-way typology where languages differ regarding whether they overtly mark (with lexical items) degree maximalization (i.e., the scale of the degree achievement is bounded in an event) and/ or event maximalization (i.e., there is a unique maximal event in the denotation of the predicate), and account for the variation. The four types are represented by English, which does not overtly mark degree or event maximalization; Southern Aymara, which overtly marks degree but not event maximalization; Polish, which overtly marks event maximalization only; and Hungarian, which overtly marks event maximalization with an additional requirement regarding the presence of lexical maxima (if available). I provide tests to distinguish degree vs. event maximalization. My proposal is implemented in Beavers’s (2011, 2012) Figure/Path Relation model, making use of a restricted set of lexical items to account for the variation. I suggest that the typology examined is exhaustive, and discuss the variation in telicity contrasts that arise as a result of different maximalization possibilities.