Sequential and summary scanning: A reply

Abstract

It is quite legitimate for Broccias and Hollmann (2007) to question the characterization of verbs in terms of sequential scanning. However, they have not advanced any cogent arguments against it. Although experimental evidence is certainly to be desired, there is no doubt about the psychological status of sequential scanning: it amounts to nothing more than the sequentiality inherent in the real-time experience of events. Its sequentiality should be most fully manifested when a verb is directly apprehended as a grounded clausal head (hence most salient); owing to general effects of compression, a more holistic view should prevail when a verb is subordinated to other elements. The arguments made by B&H concerning the English auxiliary, causatives, and path prepositions are discussed and found to be invalid. Nonetheless, their critique has shown the need for clarification and refinement and has directed attention to important issues.