Le remplacement de l'imparfait du subjonctif par le présent du subjonctif

What is it about?

In modern French, an evolution is taking place in the subjunctive system, where the present subjunctive to a great extent is replacing the imperfect subjunctive. The empirical analyses of this dissertation indicate that the imperfect subjunctive is still to be found in narrative contexts in the literary language written by authors advocating conservative French linguistic norms. In written direct speech, as in oral French, the imperfect subjunctive is replaced by the present subjunctive. A number of syntactic and lexical parameters appearing to affect the choice between the two forms have been included in the present investigation. An overview of these parameters reveal the importance of the constituent of the verb itself, the simple or composed form, grammatical person, frequency of the verb, and circumstances triggering the use of the subjunctive. In adverbial clauses, the inherent direction of the conjunction expressing tense or purpose point ahead, which tendency involves an added use of the present rather than of the imperfect subjunctive, while the concessive clauses point backwards, implying the need of expressing the past, and prompting the preservation of the imperfect subjunctive. In the complement clauses, the subjunctive is triggered by the matrix verb, of which tense, frequency of occurrence and lexical value are of particular importance. The development is considered a process of grammaticalization. Due to a number of reanalyses the temporal distinction in the subjunctive paradigm is abolished and replaced by a distinction between “unaccomplished”and “accomplished”. The result is the establishment of a new paradigm containing fewer forms, however implying a more complex system, the old forms of the present and passé composé subjunctive now describing “unaccomplished” and “accomplished” situations, respectively. Like the present subjunctive, the old imperfect subjunctive has lost its temporal value, preserving only a stylistic value marking an elevated register.

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