Abstract
Complex predicates, by definition, behave like representationally ‘‘reduced’’ predicates, as extensively discussed in the syntax literature. This article reports the results from an experimental study using a type of complex predicate in Japanese (the V-te V predicate), testing how people process this type of complex ‘‘restructured’’ predicate in real time. Because of the properties of the V-te V predicate, it was possible to compare restructured predicates with nonrestructured ones, keeping such factors as event composition, Case licensing, and lexical choice constant. The results of the experiment suggest that the tested restructured predicates involve a single array of predicate-argument association rather than two separate arrays, even though they contain two verbs. The results also revealed that syntactically complex ditransitive predicates are processed with the same ease as lexical ditransitives.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.