Subcategorization properties of Tswana verbs

[摘要] In this dissertation I discuss subcategorization properties of Tswana verbs. I givespecific attention to various types of complements which follow a basic verb in asentence. In short, I analyze the verb-object asymmetrical in a typical Tswanasentence, i.e. a subject-verb-object sentence.In Chapter 1 I introduce my topic in terms of the aim and theoretical assumptionsembraced in this thesis. I intend to prove that verbs differ according to theircomplements. In the same chapter I allude to the fact that verbal extensions can beadded within a verbal-structure to change its argument-structure. The Governmentand Binding Theory is my yardstick.In Chapter 2 give special attention to the morphology of basic verbs, i.e. byunpacking the structure of each verb it will be demonstrated that some morphemeswithin the verb structure have a syntactic significance. I illustrate my point byemploying all types of verbal extensions in Tswana.In Chapter 3 I deal specifically with the different types of Tswana verbs namely thetransitives, intransitives and ditransitives.In Chapter 4 I discuss sentential complementation as well as auxiliary verbs as apeculiar type of verbal heads. Copulatives are also given attention.

[发布机构] University of the Free State