Afrikaans verb clusters. A functional-head analysis

Abstract

This dissertation examines verb cluster transparency phenomena in Afrikaans. Special attention is paid to aspectual and posture verbs, the so-called Direct and Indirect Linking Verbs. Transparency phenomena are analysed using a Cinque-esque (1999) hierarchy of functional verbs. Chapter One introduces Cinque's (1999) analysis of Italian transparency phenomena as being the product of a hierarchy of functional verbs. It is demonstrated that a functional hierarchy can also explain West-Germanic (including Afrikaans) transparency phenomena such as NP scrambling, super passives, long extraposition and quantifier scope. The hierarchy can also be used to explain the passivisation properties of certain classes of Afrikaans restructuring verbs.

Chapter Two explores the relative orders of projections within the Afrikaans functional hierarchy. A number of tests are utilised to determine the relative orders of different restructuring verbs within the functional hierarchy.

Chapter Three discusses the syntactic structures associated with restructuring verbs in Afrikaans vis a vis the functional hierarchy. Special attention is paid to the derivation of so-called Complex Initials in Afrikaans where a verb string undergoes V2. An analysis in terms of Chomsky's phase theory is explored. Data is presented that suggests that a stronger version of the Phase Impenetrability Condition should be implemented.

Chapter Four examines the implications a functional-head analysis has for verbal inflection, with special emphasis on the IPP effect in West-Germanic. It is argued on the basis of participle-marking of inseparable verb prefixes in some Afrikaans dialects that Afrikaans has a different structure associated with participle marking than do German and Dutch. This difference allows the participle marker to occur on the embedded verb in dialects such as Kharkhams and Griekwa Afrikaans. Since the marker is subject to relativised minimality, it is also able to undergo head movement, a phenomenon which results in optional IPP in Afrikaans.