Babcock University Research Portal

Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions

Authors: KPAROU Hanoukoume

Publication Type: Journal article

Journal: Gradiva

ISSN Number: 0363-805

Downloads

Views

Abstract

The prototype structures of Subject-Verb-Object-Object (SVOO) exhibit varying characteristics across different languages. Early researchers in this field proposed five postulates to define Double Object Constructions (DOCs). These principles were initially considered as syntactic universals and later integrated into the framework of Universal Grammar. This paper critically examines these principles using data from two languages: French, a Roman language, and Lama, a Gur language. The analysis reveals that two of these principles may not hold up as universals. French exemplifies a DOC marked by the presence of a dative morpheme. Similarly, Lama demonstrates a type of DOC with a morphological marker positioned between the two Objects. However, Lama has a unique feature: the order of the two Objects can be interchanged without altering the meaning. This finding challenges the principles of a fixed object order and the necessity of an intermediate formal marker (or one attached to an object, as seen in French) as universal features. In conclusion, the data suggest that these principles lack the universality previously attributed to them. The flexibility in the Object order in Lama, in particular, calls into question the rigid structural requirements proposed by earlier researchers. This paper, therefore, advocates for a reconsideration of these principles within the broader context of Syntactic Theory.

Access to Documents

External Link

Keywords

KPAROU,H. . (2024). Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions, 63 (), 14-14.

KPAROU,H. . "Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions" 63, no (), (2024): 14-14.

KPAROU,H. and . (2024). Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions, 63 (), pp14-14.

KPAROUH, . Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions. 2024, 63 ():14-14.

KPAROU,Hanoukoume , . "Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions", 63 . (2024) : 14-14.

[1] K.Hanoukoume , "Reassessing the Theory of Universals in the Double Object Constructions" vol.63, no., pp. 14-14, 2024.

About Us

Admissions

Contact Us

Policies

ALUMNI

STUDENT POPULATION

Access to Documents

Keywords