Super-light verbs in Afrikaans
Date
2024-12
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
This thesis sets out to provide an account of super-light verbs in Afrikaans. While light verbs can be defined as a group of grammatical verbs that are semantically bleached, which means that they have lost some of their lexical content, super-light verbs are argued to be a covert form of a light verb. Based on Van Riemsdijk’s (2002) analysis of constructions with omissible motion verbs, and on Biberauer and Oosthuizen’s (2011) observations regarding omissible lexical verbs in Afrikaans, a description of two super-light verbs in Afrikaans is provided. Specifically, this thesis examines instances where the verbs gaan (“go”) and maak (“make”) in Afrikaans are ostensibly absent. This thesis is situated within a broad Minimalist Syntax framework, and as such, the core architecture and assumptions of Minimalism are first discussed, followed by a discussion of light verbs within Minimalist Syntax and of light verbs in the traditional (semantic) sense (Jespersen 1954-1958). This discussion includes an examination of the concept of silent elements, in general, and silent verbs, in particular, which Van Riemsdijk (2002) characterises as super-light verbs. Thereafter, a description of Afrikaans grammar, with a focus on Afrikaans verbs and verb clusters, is given. It is against this background that super-light verbs in Afrikaans are described. The environments in Afrikaans in which super-light verbs, namely the motion verb GAAN and the causative verb MAAK are licensed are illustrated.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.