MULTIPLE MODALS AS LEXICO-GRAMMATICAL SCOTTICISMS (WITH A FOCUS ON SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to assess to what extent the phenomenon of multiple
modals (MMs) is covered in popular grammars of the Scots language, and how it can be
considered a differential feature of this linguistic system. Five popular reference and/or
teaching grammars published throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries were selected as
primary material. Judging by the evidence from the above sources, it is possible to conclude
that MMs and analytical grammatical forms of the modals constitute noticeable elements of
the system of Scots and can be characterised as Scotticisms, although they are a regional
feature and, in fact, are treated by the compilers as such. The special value of such sources is
due to their “diagnostic” nature.