Constituent ordering in categorical, thetic and presentative constructions

Abstract

The ordering of clausal constituents in Portuguese varieties is treated here consideringthree content frames recognized in FDG model, thetic, presentative and categorical.The clausal linearization reflects decisions taken in the formulation of the InterpersonalLevel and predominantly represents Topic-oriented content frame in which the constituent inthe Topic function occupies the position P^I, the verb, the P^M position, and other remainingconstituents occupy the left and right positions of P^M. Thetic constructions, whose whole clauseperforms focal and topical function, occupies the P^F area, while presentative constructionshave the grammatical word ‘copula’ taking the absolute position P^M and the Topic/FocusNoun phrase taking the P^F position.