Abstract
This paper proposes some formal criteria for interpreting serial verb constructions with two or more verb phrases denoting two or more separate events. This kind of constructions can have the consecutive, alternating, circumstance or purpose interpretation. Since it is the meanings of the individual verb phrases which determine the possible interpretation a serial verb construction may have, and the relationship between the two verbs is largely temporal, a set of formal criteria for interpreting the constructions based on a temporal framework is suggested. The SER (Speaking/Event/Reference) system is used as the basis of the formal criteria and it is argued that these criteria can be exploited computationally when an interpretation of a serial verb construction is to be arrived at.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 13-29 |
| Journal | Communications of COLIPS |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 1998 |
Research Keywords
- Formal Criteria
- Serial Verb Constructions
- Consecutive Interpretation
- Alternating Interpretation
- Purpose Interpretation
- Circumstance Interpretation
- SER system