The position of external causal clauses and the particles that introduce them: interpretive effects

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.31810/RSEL.49.3

Abstract

This chapter seeks to examine the role played by the semantic-pragmatic properties of the Spanish particles como, pues (que), puesto que and ya que, on the one hand, and by the position of the causal clauses introduced by these particles, on the other hand, in the interpretation of the relationship between main and subordinate clauses. It will be shown that these factors are closely interrelated and together contribute, in a relevant manner, in determining the specific relationship established in each concrete case, within the scope of causality. In order to achieve these objectives, we will review the most well known classifications of causal sentences and the criteria on which they are based, as well as the diachronic evolution of the causal particles under study. The chapter will end with a proposal, based on Goethals (2010), for explaining the procedural meaning of these particles.

Keywords: causal sentence; causal particle; procedural meaning; como; pues (que); puesto que; ya que.