Introductory remarks

The Polish za(−) will be analysed below primarily in two roles: as a preposition and a verbal prefix – and also cursorily as an adjectival or adverbial modifier – since all those cases are described as belonging to “the same extended network of senses”. Such is the claim put forward in the most comprehensive cognitive analysis of za(−) known to me, which was presented by Tabakowska (2003: 158). Tabakowska (to appear) extended that account, answering some objections to her first article raised in an earlier version of this chapter. The most detailed network model of the preposition can be found in Przybylska (2002: 339–387). Dąbrowska discusses the verbal prefix (1996: 482–489), while Bacz focuses on the za + GEN uses of the preposition (2004: 441–448).

The choice of za(−) is motivated by several factors. First, in a range of its usage it is an equivalent of over, thus it may potentially provide cross-linguistic evidence of some kind. Second, as a preposition it enters into valence relations with various nominal cases, thus raising with greater force the question of a semantic “contribution” of particular lexical items or their mutual interaction in the grammatical co-text and referential context (cf. Halliday, Hasan 1976). Finally, as a verbal prefix it played a part in the development of the Polish system of verbal aspect.