Explanation
Serial verbs bundle phases or results of an event and typically share subject, tense or other clause properties.
Example
Yoruba Bode ra ìwé tà ‘Bode bought books and sold them’ shares an object; true Ibibio serial constructions share tense and subject.
Counterexample
Bode bought books and Ada sold them contains coordinated clauses.
Distinction
several verbs, one event unit
Effect on thought and perception
Frames actions as tightly coupled event chains.
Resonance
Syntax becomes a score of closely coupled action phases.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Serial verb construction“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-091-049. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-091-049The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.