The Syntax of Verb Serialization in Different Language Families

Project Abstract

<p> This research project aims to investigate the syntax of verb serialization in different language families. It seeks to explore the structural and functional properties of verb serialization constructions across diverse linguistic contexts, aiming to provide insights into the typological variations and universals in the syntax of verb serialization. The study will examine the morphosyntactic patterns, semantic roles, and discourse functions of verb serialization, drawing on data from various language families to offer a comprehensive analysis of this syntactic phenomenon. <br></p>

Project Overview

<p> </p><div>Verb serialization, a syntactic phenomenon found in numerous languages across the world, presents a rich area of inquiry for linguistic typology and theoretical syntax. This research project aims to investigate the syntax of verb serialization in different language families, seeking to provide a comprehensive analysis of the structural, functional, and typological aspects of this syntactic construction.</div><div>The study will delve into the typological overview of verb serialization, addressing the cross-linguistic distribution of verb serialization, the structural patterns and variations observed in diverse languages, and the semantic and pragmatic functions associated with verb serialization constructions. By examining the typological overview of verb serialization, the research aims to provide insights into the universals and variations in the syntax of verb serialization across different language families.</div><div>Furthermore, the research will explore the morphosyntactic properties of verb serialization, including the morphological markers and agreement patterns, syntactic configurations and word order, as well as the argument structure and hierarchical relations involved in verb serialization constructions. By investigating the morphosyntactic properties of verb serialization, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the morphosyntactic patterns and variations in verb serialization across diverse linguistic contexts.</div><div>The study will also address the discourse and pragmatic functions of verb serialization, examining the information structure and discourse packaging, pragmatic inferences and speech act functions, as well as the role of verb serialization in narrative and event sequencing. By exploring the discourse and pragmatic functions of verb serialization, the research aims to provide insights into the communicative and functional aspects of verb serialization in discourse.</div><div>Finally, the research will consider diachronic perspectives and language contact in relation to verb serialization, including the historical development of verb serialization, language contact and syntactic borrowing, as well as the processes of grammaticalization and semantic shifts observed in verb serialization constructions. By examining the diachronic perspectives and language contact, the study aims to provide insights into the historical, contact-induced, and evolutionary aspects of verb serialization in different language families.</div> <br><p></p>