Abstract
This article deals with the question of whether the verb is always situated towards the end of sentences in Afrikaans. An overview is given of the theoretical point of reference of both diachronic and sinchronic linguistics. The Classical Greek analysis of a sentence into subject and predicate, currently formalised in the Transformational Generative Grammar (TGG) is used as point of departure. The discussion then continues with a focus on the role of the Object and/or remainder of the verb phrase (VP) in the predicate, which culminates in different combinatory sequences of SOV. The different perspectives of linguists who advocate the SVO and SOV orders in Afrikaans are explained. Furthermore, the influence of change in Germanic languages on the typology of Afrikaans is also taken into account. The position of the verb is discussed by looking at the role of auxiliaries in a sentence, at the role of prepositional phrases; at what takes place in independent clauses, subordinate clauses and in compound sentences. In conclusion, semantic and pragmatic aspects are taken into account.
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