Las oraciones complejas (completivas)

This chapter explores noun clauses in Spanish. Section 2 introduces the key questions on definition and context of use, i.e., the concepts of complement clause and noun clause. The former term derives from the grammatical functions (direct object, etc.) of these clauses whereas the latter reflects their noun-like distribution. The subtypes of noun clauses are also introduced: declarative clauses and indirect interrogative/exclamative clauses, both finite and non-finite. Other topics include the selecting predicates for each subtype, the mood of the subordinate clause, the deletion of que and recomplementation. Section 3 revolves around different theoretical frameworks (traditional grammar, structuralism/functionalism, and formal grammar). Attention is also paid to dequeísmo and queísmo, which are of particular interest from a prescriptivist and dialectal perspective. Section 4 presents a brief overview of select issues with phonological, semantic, pragmatic/discourse and dialectal implications. These include the prosodic integration of noun clauses, factivity, clausal nominalization, the categorial nature of complementisers and the phenomenon of deísmo. The chapter ends with the conclusions, a list of recommended readings and the reference list.