Abstract
This study takes a diachronic perspective to look at the different aspectual
encodings in Light Verb Constructions. By using the Light Verb Constructions in Mandarin Chinese as examples, we observe and generalise the patterns of aspectual encodings in GIVE group Light Verbs, including jiyu, yuyi, and jiayi, with the basic meaning of ‘give.’ Assuming that Light Verbs typically follow the grammaticalisation path from independent lexical verbs to grammatical morphemes, we propose that the various realisations of aspectuality can be explained by the different grammaticalisation stages of the three verbs: the verb jiayi is the most grammaticalised followed by yuyi and jiyu. Their grammaticalisation status is evidenced by the light/independent verb usages of the three verbs in a synchronic corpus of Mandarin Chinese. This corpus-based study on Mandarin LVCs within the framework of Construction Grammar complements the discussion on the lightness of Light Verbs across languages.
encodings in Light Verb Constructions. By using the Light Verb Constructions in Mandarin Chinese as examples, we observe and generalise the patterns of aspectual encodings in GIVE group Light Verbs, including jiyu, yuyi, and jiayi, with the basic meaning of ‘give.’ Assuming that Light Verbs typically follow the grammaticalisation path from independent lexical verbs to grammatical morphemes, we propose that the various realisations of aspectuality can be explained by the different grammaticalisation stages of the three verbs: the verb jiayi is the most grammaticalised followed by yuyi and jiyu. Their grammaticalisation status is evidenced by the light/independent verb usages of the three verbs in a synchronic corpus of Mandarin Chinese. This corpus-based study on Mandarin LVCs within the framework of Construction Grammar complements the discussion on the lightness of Light Verbs across languages.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Light Verb Constructions as Complex Verbs |
Subtitle of host publication | Features, Typology and Function |
Editors | Anna Pompei, Lunella Mereu, Valentina Piunno |
Publisher | De Gruyter Mouton |
Chapter | 11 |
Pages | 305-335 |
Number of pages | 31 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783110747997 |
ISBN (Print) | 9783110747850 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 24 Oct 2023 |
Publication series
Name | Trends in Linguistics. Studies and Monographs |
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Publisher | De Gruyter Mouton |
Volume | 364 |
Keywords
- Aspectual encoding
- Corpus data
- Diachrony and synchrony
- GIVE Light Verbs
- Grammaticalisation
- Light Verb Constructions
- Mandarin Chinese
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Arts and Humanities
- General Social Sciences