I've looked for information on the origin of the term, but haven't found any.  However, I too have always assumed that "root" in "root modal" had its common meaning of "source."  I suspect it's safe to go with it, at least until someone comes upon a better explanation.

Herb

-----Original Message-----
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marie-Pierre Jouannaud
Sent: 2008-06-13 16:03
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: root modals

Dear ATEGers,

does anyone know where the term 'root modality' (instead of 'deontic
modality') came from? Is it the fact that the meaning of modals usually
evolves from deontic (obligation) to epistemic (probability)?
IOW root = origin? Or is there a different reason?

I teach future English teachers here in France, and I like to know a
little history behind the terms I have to teach them.

Thanks for your insights,

Marie,
France

To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at:
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/

To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at:
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/