The diachrony of complex predicates
Date
2008
Authors
Bowern, Claire
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
John Benjamins Publishing Company
Abstract
While complex predicate constructions, including light verb structures and verb serialisation, are found in many of the world's languages, there has been little diachronic work on these structures to date. In this paper I survey the state of the field and describe current ideas on the origins and development of complex predicates. In particular, I show that the assumption of cline-like development from parataxis to affix (through serialisation, light verbs and auxiliation) is too simplistic. Finally, I review arguments in favor of and against views of light verbs as stable structures.
Description
Keywords
Keywords: Clines; Complex predicates; Grammaticalisation; Historical syntax; Reanalysis; Serial verbs
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Source
Diachronica
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2037-12-31