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Argument Realisation in Complex Predicates and Complex Events: Verb-verb constructions at the syntax-semantic interface
Edited by Brian Nolan and Elke Diedrichsen
[Studies in Language Companion Series 180] 2017
► pp. 138–168

Chapter 5
Complex predicates in Lithuanian

| Trinity College Dublin

Lithuanian is a highly synthetic language that is morphologically rich. This research revisits a set of specific classification of Lithuanian predicates into complex predicate constructions. The data for the analysis was collected from the publically accessible corpus of Lithuanian language and the examples were analysed using the RRG framework. The discussion revealed that the V + V constructions classified in the traditional Lithuanian grammar need to be reclassified as complex predicate constructions. Furthermore, the research revealed the existence of a type of serial verb construction in the Lithuanian complex predicates. This study discussed nominal complex predicates [V + NP] and verbal complex predicates [V + V inf ]; this research argued that there is a type of complex verbal predicate [V + V inf  + V inf …] which, in some cases, have a serial verb construction embedded in the predication [V + SVC]. The analyses revealed the diverse and layered constructions of Lithuanian predicates where semantics, syntax and morphology play an equally important role.

Keywords: complex predicates, nominal complex predicates, verbal complex predicates, serial verb construction, classification, Lithuanian language, Role and Reference Grammar
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Framework, methodology and data
    • 2.1Data
    • 2.2Methodology
    • 2.3Role and reference grammar
  • 3.Types of predicates in Lithuanian
    • 3.1Simple predicates
    • 3.2Complex predicates
      • 3.2.1Nominal complex predicates
      • 3.2.2Verbal complex predicates
      • 3.2.3Serial verb constructions in Lithuanian
  • 4.Discussion
  • Note
  • Abbreviations
  • References
Published online: 26 January 2017
DOI logo
https://doi.org/10.1075/slcs.180.05bru
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