Caught in Between: A Synchronic and Diachronic Account of inter- Prefixation in Latin

This paper explores the patterns of inter-prefixation in Latin. By adopting a Cognitive Grammar perspective, I discuss how inter-verbs instantiate three basic spatial meanings, or schemas, that is, between, intervals, and center, to which additional schemas may be added. The chronological distribution and productivity of individual schemas is then assessed thanks to data from the LASLA corpus. I also explore various diachronic processes that have led from these spatial meanings to the creation of more abstract ones, chiefly temporal meanings. In addition, I focus on how synchronically lexicalized inter-verbs, e.g. dico ‘say’ → interdico ‘forbid’, have historically come about. A diachronic perspective shows that, besides well-known dynamics of semantic change (e.g. metaphor, contextual inferences), analogy may have also played a role in the spread of inter-prefixation.