Proverbes et formes proverbiales : valeur évidentielle et argumentative

Jean-Claude Anscombre : « Proverbs and proverb-like sentences » Proverbs and proverb-like sentences show characteristics that distinguish them from non-proverbial forms. The first part of the article is devoted to the study of such properties. In the second part, it is claimed that the function of proverbs is one of evidential marking. Proverbs appear to be one linguistic expression among others of common knowledge. Moreover, the genuine function of proverbs is argumentative : they serve as warrants for the continuation of the discourse.Anscombre Jean-Claude. Proverbes et formes proverbiales : valeur évidentielle et argumentative. In: Langue française, n°102, 1994. Les sources du savoir et leurs marques linguistiques, sous la direction de Patrick Dendale et Liliane Tasmowski. pp. 95-107