Abstract
This thesis focuses on the definitions and syntax of serial verb constructions (SVCs) in Mandarin Chinese from a crosslinguistic perspective. An SVC refers to a sentence where a sequence of verbs or VPs appears without any overt conjunction. In addition, verbs in an SVC are understood in the same tense, and share at least one argument. While Baker (1989, 1999), Collins (1997) and Stewarts (1998), among others, propose the center of an SVC is the shared object, other language data reveal that subject sharing is more prevalent in SVC literature. On the other hand, Chinese SVCs have acquired much attention since Li and Thompson (1973, 1974, 1981) unveiled their influential works on the topic. Subsequent studies introducing contemporary theories with a focus on subject sharing argued that some of Li and Thompson’s SVC types should be expelled. The remnant are three sentence types: namely, Sequential SVCs, Circumstantial SVCs, and You SVCs, in our terminology. Considering object sharing is crucial in some SVC languages, we include one more type into discussion—Directional SVCs. (1) wo zhu fan chi. (Sequential SVC) I cook rice eat ‘I cook rice to eat.’ (2) ta du shu hen zhuanxin. (Circumstantial SVC) He read book very concentrated ‘He is very concentrated when he is studying.’ (3) wo you shui he. (You SVC) I have water drink ‘I have water to drink.’ (4) ta na bi chu-lai. (Directional SVC) He take pen out-come ‘He took a pen out.’ Syntactically, the first three types all involve subject sharing and appear like modifier-head structures. The last type, on the contrary, involves object sharing, and is better analyzed as a left-headed complex predicate.