The Fine Structure of Polarity Sensitivity

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This study investigates the phenomenon of polarity sensitivity, proposing a new perspective which focuses on the behavior and properties sensitive items and the phrases they form. It rests on the observation that the complexity of the phenomenon requires a more articulated analysis than the standard one based on licensing conditions. The study adopts a broader notion of sensitivity, which extends beyond the traditional one restricted to polarity. It includes other factors which are defined in relation to the semantics of the sensitive items. As a result, the attention is centered on the web of interactions the item entertains with its context of occurrence, rather than on polarity licensing conditions. The study shows that the distribution and interpretation of these items follow from constraints related to the properties of their semantic domain.