University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics
Abstract
Mandarin Resultative Verb Compounds (RVCs) are verbal complexes of the form V1-V2, where V1 denotes an activity and V2 the result of that activity. Previous literature either assigns to RVCs a Complex Verb structure [V V1-V2] (Li 1990, Williams 2012) or a Small Clause structure [V1P V1 [SCV2]] (Sybesma 1999). In the paper, I will propose a VP Complementation syntax for Mandarin RVC [V1P V1 [V2PV2P]] (similar to Sybesma 1999 but contra Williams 2011,see (1) (Also, in (1) there are multiple V-to-v movements, see Collins 2002)) and present new data to support it. Specifically, the data involves two types of Event Modifiers Duratives and Locatives, and I will show those event modifiers can modify either V1 or V2, independently; also, the positions of these modifiers determine their interpretations and that certain positions of Duratives are not allowed, all of which are predicted by the VP Complementation syntax.
Recommended Citation
Liu, Mingming
(2014)
"Mandarin Resultative Verb Compound Involves VP Complementation,"
University of Pennsylvania Working Papers in Linguistics: Vol. 20:
Iss.
1, Article 24.
Available at:
https://repository.upenn.edu/pwpl/vol20/iss1/24