Aspectual composition in causatives
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Maria Babicheva
Abstract
In this paper we examine the aspectual composition in non-derived verbs and in derived causative verbs. We consider two types of aspectual composition that can be found in languages: in the English type telicity of a verb is determined by the reference properties of its direct object; in the Russian type, an obligatory telic verb imposes quantization on its direct object. We present the data about those indirect causatives where, in a Russian type context, the English type of aspectual composition emerges. We propose that this occurs due to the event structure of the causative and the semantics and syntax of the aspectual operator responsible for the obligatory telicity.
Abstract
In this paper we examine the aspectual composition in non-derived verbs and in derived causative verbs. We consider two types of aspectual composition that can be found in languages: in the English type telicity of a verb is determined by the reference properties of its direct object; in the Russian type, an obligatory telic verb imposes quantization on its direct object. We present the data about those indirect causatives where, in a Russian type context, the English type of aspectual composition emerges. We propose that this occurs due to the event structure of the causative and the semantics and syntax of the aspectual operator responsible for the obligatory telicity.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
-
Part 1. Semantic and syntactic properties of the event structure
- Aspectual composition in causatives 13
- Atelicity and anticausativization 35
- Minimalist variability in the verb phrase 69
- On the l-syntax of manner and causation 89
- Nominalization, event, aspect and argument structure 113
-
Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
-
Part 3. Syntactic heads involved in argument structure
- An l-syntax for adjuncts 183
- The derivation of dative alternations 203
- Basque ditransitives 233
- Applicative structure and Mandarin ditransitives 261
- Unintentionally out of control 283
-
Part 4. Argument structure in language acquisition
- Zero time-arguments in French child language 305
- Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure 325
- Name and subject index 345
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Argument structure and syntactic relations 1
-
Part 1. Semantic and syntactic properties of the event structure
- Aspectual composition in causatives 13
- Atelicity and anticausativization 35
- Minimalist variability in the verb phrase 69
- On the l-syntax of manner and causation 89
- Nominalization, event, aspect and argument structure 113
-
Part 2. A global view on argument structure
- The syntax of argument structure 133
- Argument structure and quantifier scope 151
-
Part 3. Syntactic heads involved in argument structure
- An l-syntax for adjuncts 183
- The derivation of dative alternations 203
- Basque ditransitives 233
- Applicative structure and Mandarin ditransitives 261
- Unintentionally out of control 283
-
Part 4. Argument structure in language acquisition
- Zero time-arguments in French child language 305
- Reevaluating the role of innate linking rules in the acquisition of verb argument structure 325
- Name and subject index 345
