Essential Spanish Syntax and Narrative Techniques

English31 Mar 20264.21 KB

Functions of the Pronoun "Se"

Impersonal: Used when the subject lacks lexical content. Example: Life is good here.
Passive Reflexive: Used when the subject of the sentence is the patient. Example: Floor sold.
Reflexive Pronoun: When the pronoun (Direct Object or Indirect Object) replaces a noun that is the same as the subject. Example: John washes himself.
Reciprocal: When the verbal action is performed mutually. Example: Children insult each other.
Ethic Dative: This can be deleted from the sentence and it will still make sense; it functions as an Indirect Object.

Sintagma: A group of words or a single word that performs a specific syntactic function.

Subject: A Noun Phrase (SN) that agrees in number and person with the verb. Example: My children are smart.
Predicate: The verb that is contained within the sentence.

Direct Object (CD): A noun phrase that can join the verb without a preposition, or through the preposition "a." It can be replaced by lo, la, los, las.
Indirect Object (CI): A noun phrase preceded by the prepositions "to" or "for" that is integrable by the verb and replaceable by him or them (le, les).
Circumstantial Complement (CC): This can be a Noun Phrase, an adverbial construction, or a prepositional construction next to the verb, which is non-integrable through unstressed forms.
Supplement (Sup): Always a prepositional phrase that is not integrable by the verb through unstressed forms.

Juxtaposed Sentences: These belong to the same statement but have no linking word.

Agent Complement (CAG): The role performed by a prepositional phrase (starting with "by") that cannot be replaced by a pronominal variable; in the active voice, it functions as the subject.
Predicative Complement (C Pred): An adjective phrase or nominal phrase that complements another phrase and the verb together. Example: The student answered nervously.
Attribute (Atrib): A Noun Phrase, adjective, adverb, or prepositional phrase related to the subject through a copula verb.
Modifiers (CN, C. Adj, and C. Adv): Their function is not to modify the verb but the word they accompany via a preposition. Examples: The Lyre of Orpheus (CN), pleased with his notes (C. Adj), Far from the house (C. Adv).
Apposition: A Noun Phrase that explains the concept expressed by another Noun Phrase. It is placed immediately after the other. Example: Cordoba, the city of the mosque, is picturesque.
Vocative: Not strictly a grammatical function, but a conative function used to call the interlocutor's attention. Example: John, do not move.

Narration consists of telling a real or fictional story situated in space and time.

The Narrator: The voice that tells the story. Points of view include: omniscient, observer, witness, protagonist, or supporting character.
The Narrative Proper: The style where verbal dialogue prevails.
Dialogue: Shows the conversation maintained by the characters.
Description: Represents the reality of the narrative action, including people, objects, and things.