Generic subject in the speech of Brazilian videologs.

Abstract

The focus of this paper is the diversity of expressions available to speakers of Brazilian Portuguese for generic reference. Six videologs from different regions of Brazil are analyzed with the aim of revealing the factors governing variation between forms of generic reference, specifically in the syntactic position of subject. Results suggest that, although all of these forms perform the same basic function of generic reference, they differ regarding certain properties (such as the exact degree of genericness produced, or the degree of formality for which they are suited). Speakers’ choice seems to be guided by the exact combination of properties which is adequate for each utterance.