In:
ZAS Papers in Linguistics, University Library J. C. Senckenberg, Vol. 44, No. 1 ( 2006-01-01), p. 125-137
Abstract:
This paper investigates the semantic underpinnings of the distinction between two syntactic types of "manner of movement" verbs in Levin (1993), namely the RUN and ROLL classes. According to Levin's (1993) and Levin & Rappaport's (1995) work on unaccusativity, a semantic factor of "internal causation" should be the trigger for the classification of a movement verb as intransitive (=not-unaccusative), and hence for its belonging to the RUN class. We point out empirical problems for this characterisation, mainly coming from the different readings of the German verb fliegen (fly). From a comparison with other semantically similar verbs, we conclude that the semantic description which underlies the class distinction should be refined: instead of "internal causation", the crucial semantic factor is described here as "inherent specification for a momentum of movement". This result indicates that forces, and relations between forces, have to be part of the semantic description of the manner component in movement verbs.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1435-9588
DOI:
10.21248/zaspil.44.2006.305
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
University Library J. C. Senckenberg
Publication Date:
2006
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2210604-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2210644-3
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1412843-3
SSG:
7,11
