Bendecir para saludar en Plauto. Redistribución de la función pragmática

Abstract

The paper focuses on the redistribution of pragmatic function, repragmaticalization (the phenomenon also known as discursisation). It is assumed that the Latin blessing formulae, as reproduced in the comedies by Plautus, underwent discursisation that resulted in its reinterpretion as a routinized expression of gratitude, and, finally, as greeting formulae ( di tibi dent quae uelis!; di te ament! ). Firstly, an analysis of the dialogue openings that include this particular wording of the salutatio ritual is conducted. Moreover, the study offers additional insights into the Roman reciprocal donation system, which has been related to the communicative routines of thanking and greeting. In conclusion some general remarks are made about the nature of the repragmaticalization process and its results.