Adversatives and Concessives: Argumentation and Intersubjectivity

Abstract: The paper discusses the interpretation of adversative clauses introduced by pero and concessive clauses introduced by aunque in Spanish. Specifically, the discussion centers around structures that exhibit the forms: (i) A, pero B , (ii) A, aunque B-INDICATIVE , and (iii) A, aunque B-SUBJUNCTIVE . In these types of constructions, A and B reflect contrasting cognitive realities or subjectivities. The paper examines the different prominence given to the argumentative and intersubjective component associated with pero and aunque in these constructions. It is shown that whereas (i) favors inferences associated with B and (iii) favors inferences associated with A, (ii) gives equal weight to both perspectives, not privileging the speaker’s perspective as presented in A. In construction (ii), the meaning of aunque gravitates towards its intersubjective component, while it mitigates its argumentative component, as, rather than lead the audience to conclusions associated with either A or B, the speaker is giving equal prominence to both contrasting views. This in turn makes the construction in (ii) best suited for the expression of courtesy or deference. Since the construction illustrated in (ii) arises later in the history of Spanish, the paper points to a possible process of intersubjectification of aunque .