A semantic framework for the azoyú tlapanec iterative

AbstractIt is in the interest of the genral inquiry into linguistic categorization to study the category of Iterative in Azoyú Tlapanec (an Otomanguean language of Guerrero, Mexico). This category superficially resembles a socalled “radial category” (Lakoff 1987). A description of the category along the lines of Lakoff is not a viable undertaking, however. Instead we shall try to generate the semantic outcome of the variegated set of iteratives from underlying structures. These structures build upon other, perhaps more general, cognitive mechanisms than those of categorization as such. It was not until I drew upon Langacker (1987) that I could begin to make sense out of these structures. This does not necessarily mean, however, that I am going to deliver an orthodox Cognitive Grammar treatment of the phenomena to be examined.