Complex Predicates in Universal Dependencies

Abstract

To assess whether the framework of Universal Dependencies (UD) is compatible with findings from linguistic typology, we need to systematically review how UD represents linguistic constructions and how it handles the range of morphosyntactic variation attested across languages. In this paper, we present the results of such a review focusing on complex predicates. We arrive at distinct findings regarding the two main types of complex predicates. The UD framework can well accommodate eventive complex predicates, particularly serial verbs, and more grammaticalized forms of complex predicates, such as voice and TAMP auxiliaries, with the exception of incorporating strategies. However, the guidelines for stative complex predicates could be revised based on the typology of morphosyntactic strategies. We briefly discuss possible ways in which UD can be extended to better capture these strategies.

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