BE와 무(無)에 대하여: 러시아어의 경우

Abstract

The ultimate aim of this article is to provide a new and universal perspective for BE and Null. For this purpose the Russian Null and BE, including быть, есть, "copula это" and pseudo-БЫ\Ть verbs are examined. The already existing hypotheses on BE such as multi-meaning hypothesis, copula hypothesis, existence hypothesis, and no-meaning hypothesis are critically reviewed. It is argued that BE is a functional make-up for the compensation of the low degree predicativity of the N/ADJILOC in the predicate. In Null ( -oriented) type languages synthetic strategy may be applied instead of the analytic strategy adjoining BE to the N/ ADJILOC in the predicate. The Russian "category of state" provides an example of synthetic strategy: быть in the "category of state" construction may be incorporated into the "category of state" and serve as affix.