Some reflections on copulative "ser" and "estar" in Spanish Grammar

Abstract

To the peculiarity of the differential values ​​of "ser" and "estar" that characterize Spanish, a somewhat uncertain destination is added in the consideration of both verbs has made the grammar along the time. The Greek and Latin grammatical tradition did not provide data significant in this respect because the sum, stare or einai entity does not supposed semantic distinctions identical to those of our language. The Spanish grammatical tradition, and even diverse linguistic currents of twentieth century, have kept in question the semantic identity of "ser" and of "estar" in the framework a phrase; and they do not yet offer definitive criteria for distinguish its use. The attempts to find differentiation formulas are still insufficient because of the multiplicity of coordinates and Semantic, pragmatic and grammatical values ​​involving sentences like "Juan es bueno", "Juan está bueno."