Delírios do verbo pegar: transformações de esquemas em corporas de língua falada e escrita

Abstract

This research analyzes constructions with the verb PEGAR (= to get; to hold; to catch) and observes the meanings attributed to them according to the communicational situation. The purpose is to identify the most recurrent senses, verify if there is motivation among them and if the verb forms a radial category. In light of previous studies, the verb PEGAR shows multiple meanings that go beyond the prototypical sense (= to hold; to get) and those present in dictionary entries. Thus, its description based on usage models assumes a crucial role in providing the area with a thorough understanding of the verb s multiple meanings, as it has already been pointed out by others such as SIGILIANO (2006, 2008). To do this, the study focuses on the D & G written and oral corpora (Discourse and Grammar) collected at the city of Rio de Janeiro in the 90's, available online (http://www.discursoegramatica.letras.ufrj.br/). The objective is to advance the verb s most used form, its possible alterations or regularities, and possible motivations among its usages. In addition, the study also examines the "get + (e) + v2" construction that is very recurrent in spoken language and that appears in the written D & G corpora (Discourse and Grammar). To reach these goals, the research drew on Cognitive Linguistics and concepts such as radial category (LAKOFF, 1987), image schemas (JOHNSON 1987, LAKOFF, 1987, 1990, LAKOFF & TURNER, 1989) , LAKOFF 1987, GIBBS & COLSTON, 1995, TURNER, 1996) and conceptual metaphor (LAKOFF & JONHSON, 1980), First, it quantified the frequencies of each use and / or construction by means of a software (AntConc) and second qualitatively analyzed them in the light of the concepts mentioned above. The analysis indicates the relation among senses is motivated by the image schema MOVEMENT, which occupies the center of the category, subsequently transforming itself in TRAJECTORY and CONTACT in all cases, among other aspects. These schemas authorize the radial category with the multiple senses of pegar