Edited by K. Aaron Smith and Dawn Nordquist
[Studies in Language Companion Series 192] 2018
► pp. 175–198
The present chapter focuses on the evolution of semantic categories in the Spanish expression of ‘becoming’ quedar(se) + ADJ and examines how this analogical extension is affected by the conventionalization of prominent category members. To this end, this study operationalizes conventionalization through examining factors such as previous usage, widespread usage, and frequency in developing a gradient index of conventionalization of specific verb + adjective combinations in a diachronic corpus. Through developing an index that can be used to compare the conventionalization of a specific combination from one century to the next, we see that a robust centralized member will contribute to the ongoing maintenance and productivity of a semantic category even in the face of overall frequency reduction of the construction.