Contact, multifactorial and dynamic change in the andean zone: Covered epistemicity in constructions with "decir" 'say'

Contacto, cambio multifactorial y dinámico en la zona andina: epistemicidad encubierta en construcciones con DECIR

Abstract

The use of the interrogative construction ¿qué diciendo? in the Andean region has attracted the attention of different authors due to its singularity. Considered as a causative interrogative, it is assumed that its use is due to a syntactic calque from Quechua. However, the data suggest different uses formed on the basis of SAY used with modal-epistemic values.

In this contribution we review the uses of the combination decir + gerund and its Quechua equivalent niy + -spa in different syntactic and functional contexts based on data from the Andean region. The results show the confluence of several factors in the use of SAY as a cognitive epistemic resource and of processes of grammaticalization of the gerund towards epistemic justificatory uses under the quotative scheme.