ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-DEP4-0001 · ATLAS 251

Donkey sentence

A sentence in which an indefinite expression is picked up by a pronoun outside its ordinary binding domain.

Explanation

A sentence in which an indefinite expression is picked up by a pronoun outside its ordinary binding domain. Forces meaning to be modelled across clause boundaries and possible instances: the pronoun cannot find its referent by simple word matching.

Example

Everyone who owns a donkey feeds it.

Counterexample

A mere label without the described formal, cultural or conceptual movement.

Distinction

Distinguish from Anapher; the neighbour remains connected as a crossway.

Effect on thought and perception

Forces meaning to be modelled across clause boundaries and possible instances: the pronoun cannot find its referent by simple word matching.

Resonance

Forces meaning to be modelled across clause boundaries and possible instances: the pronoun cannot find its referent by simple word matching.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Donkey sentence“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-DEP4-0001. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-DEP4-0001

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-DEP4-0001

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