Complex Predicates and the Functional Sequence

Nordlyd (v.35-1)
by Peter Svenonius

Abstract

In this paper I argue that a fine-grained functional hierarchy of semantically contentful categories such as Tense, Aspect, Initiation, and Process has explanatory power in understanding the crosslinguistic distribution of complex predicates. Complex predicates may involve adjunction, control, or raising, and show other variables as well. In a Minimalist framework, specific parameters cannot be invoked to allow or disallow different kinds of serial verbs, light verbs, resultatives, and so on. Instead, what variation is observed must come from the specifications of lexical items. This places a great burden on the learner, a burden which, I argue, is partly alleviated by the functional sequence.

This one is from our "the program doesn't allow for that sort of rubbish" Dept. What makes this abstract crazy isn't really the proposed analysis. I'm sure the author here has something very enlightening to say about complex predicates. What I really think is crazy is the line "In a minimalist framework, specific parameters cannot be invoked to allow or disallow different kinds of serial verbs, light vers, resultatives, and so on."

I read that and I imagine a committee of hooded Minimalists sitting at a round, poorly lit table discussing what the minimalist program will allow to be invoked and what it will forbid the invocation of.

Chief minimalists (in unison): "WE hereby forbid the invocation of our beloved parameters for the act of allowing and/or disallowing different kinds of syntactic elements. SO LET IT BE WRITTEN!"

Graduate student minimalist (watching from the shadows): "but won't this place a great burden on the learner? Won't anyone please think of the children!"

Chief minimalists (in unison): "SILENCE! quit your groveling. It is your duty to discover how the child manages to overcome these adversities. Now, BE GONE!"