Based on a functional approach of language that seeks to identify patterns of use that are originated and established in communicative practices, the present study investigates the multifunctionality of the linguistic item capaz, in a current synchronic sample of gaucho informants, capturing a trajectory of semantic-pragmatic change (associated with values of modality) and categorial change (adjective > discourse marker), which can be interpreted as an instance of grammaticalization. We identified, in the analysis of dialogual contexts: i) values within the epistemic modality (possibility, probability, doubt and certainty), derived from a source meaning (ability) associated with agent-oriented modality, and ii) other expressions of subjectivity as surprise, irony and joy. The control of frequency enabled us to sketch patterns of the use of capaz: the item is more recurrent in contexts of certainty (in affirmative and negative responses) and doubt/surprise, appearing predominantly as a syntactically autonomous item with a function of discourse marker. The nature of the information given by the interlocutor (question, opinion, fact/news) as well as the prosodic aspects that involve the item are decisive for the interpretation of the meaning of capaz.
Capaz; Discourse marker; Dialogual contexts; Modality; Patterns of use.
