Reverse complex predicates or something else?: The case of Hindi de ‘give’ and jaa ‘go’

Main author: Koumbarou, Andriana
Other authors: Srivastava, Shubham K.
Biswas, Sarada B.
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-35586
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description “Aspectual” complex predicates (ACPs) in Hindi are formed by a sequence of two verbs that together describe a single event. The main verb is realised in root form and contributes lexical meaning, followed by a light verb which carries TAM morphology and somehow modifies the event (VMAINVLIGHT ordering). However, it has been noted that some verb-verb combinations allow a “reverse” order in which a light verb in root form precedes the main verb inflected for TAM (VLIGHTVMAIN ordering). In this paper we take the light verbs de ‘give’ and jaa ‘go’ as case studies and trace their use in standardly ordered complex predicates, as well as what look like cases of reversal. We present our initial findings and argue that the unusual VLIGHTVMAIN sequences are not simply a reordered variant of a standard complex predicate but, in fact, exhibit interpretational differences (e.g., intentionality) that stem from the initial placement and lexical semantics of directed-action de ‘give’ and directed-motion jaa ‘go’.
format Journal Article
author Koumbarou, Andriana
author_facet Koumbarou, Andriana
Srivastava, Shubham K.
Biswas, Sarada B.
authorStr Koumbarou, Andriana
author_letter Koumbarou, Andriana
author2 Srivastava, Shubham K.
Biswas, Sarada B.
author2Str Srivastava, Shubham K.
Biswas, Sarada B.
title Reverse complex predicates or something else?: The case of Hindi de ‘give’ and jaa ‘go’
publisher SOAS University of London
publishDate 2021
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/35586/