Modalité et évidentialité. Le cas de l’adverbe roumain pesemne (apparemment) 3

Abstract

This paper deals with the Romanian adverb pesemne (probably, seemingly) with a view to highlighting its
evidential function in relation to the epistemic meaning that the unit under study displays in a particular context. We assume that evidential and epistemic values are context related and should be approached as syncretised manifestations. Within the framework of the evidentiality theory (Dendale & Tasmowski 2001, Plungian 2001, Aikhenvald 2004, Gata 2009), the analysis has as a starting point the definitions and the etymological data provided by several Romanian dictionaries. Excerpts of real life discourse are taken into account in order to point out that the adverb pesemne should be approached in terms of multifunctional unit where the evidential value encompasses or is encompassed by the modal value.