Séminaire SynSem avec Vaijayanthi Sarma (Indian Institute of Technology Bombay)

Lieu: Grand labo C228

Title: Unpacking the verb complex in Dravidian 


Abstract:
Dravidian languages typically employ a structural strategy of using non-finite verb forms for a variety of syntactic outcomes including complementation, conjunction, negation and aspect-attitude-reflexivity marking. The verbal sequence can consist of a main verb in the participle form and multiple additional verbs (vM, v2, v3…vF) with the final verb bearing the (T)ense and phi-agreement markers. A similar structure is used for co-ordination with temporal event sequencing (E1<E2<E3), and for clausal embeddings distinct from modals, causatives, conditionals, and negation that require infinitival (or bare stem) complements. In this talk, I will explore the syntactic properties of the complex (with reference to Tamil, a major Dravidian language) to demonstrate that at least three different structures underlie the verb group organization. I will also aim to build the functional structure of the complex (up to CP). In the context of language acquisition, I will also ask (using natural spoken language data) whether children acquire the underlying morpho-syntactic properties of the verb-complex and what may allow them to do so.