Vagueness and Approximation
A Case Study of 'Genre' in French and 'Tipo' in Spanish
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4151/S0718-09342025011901353Keywords:
intentional vagueness, numerical approximation, taxonomic noun, genre, tipoAbstract
This paper investigates the phenomenon of intentional linguistic vagueness, where certain linguistic elements are used to achieve a communicative goal by placing the utterance within a spectrum of vagueness. Two such elements, genre in French and tipo in Spanish, have line gone a diachronic process of semantic change, transforming their initial taxonomic meanings into functions related to approximation. This study will first examine the evolutionary process that led to these forms adopting approximation functions. Next, it will explore the relationship between approximation and vagueness, focusing on the use of these forms to express numerical approximation. Finally, it will clarify the criteria for distinguishing vagueness, examining how genre and tipo generate a vague reading in this particular use. By applying linguistic criteria that provide verifiable results and analyzing examples, this study will test its hypotheses and provide insights into the phenomenon of intentional linguistic vagueness.
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