Is ambient it truly non-referential?
This chapter examines the non-referential status frequently ascribed to ambient it (i.e. the pronoun it used with weather verbs and expressions of time and distance). In line with Langacker (2011), I aim to show that this use of the pronoun it is in fact referential. First, I examine the reasons why ambient it is traditionally denied a referential status and propose counter arguments. I then argue that a speaker always conveys a referential intention when using ambient it (frequently accompanied by an ostension gesture). The pointed referent, although completely obvious, is vague and difficult to name and delimit. Finally, I analyze cases that share characteristics with ambient it but that cannot be entirely included in the same category.
Article outline
- 1.Introduction
- 2.What is “ambient it”?
- 2.1Definition
- 2.2Why is ambient it traditionally considered non-referential?
- 3.A referential interpretation of ambient it
- 3.1Ambient it and referring intention
- 3.2Ambient it, deixis and ostension
- 3.3Ambient it and anaphora
- 4.The semantic value of ambient it
- 4.1Is ambient it a meaningless form?
- 4.2The problem of delimiting the referent
- 5.Ambient it: A referential but problematic pronoun
- 6.Concluding remarks
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Acknowledgements
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Notes
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References