Structure of the Gokana Verb Phrase: A Principles and Parameters Analysis

Abstract

This paper described the structure of the verb phrase in Gokana within the framework of Principles and Parameters Theory. The study examined the structure, types and linear order of constituents within the Gokana verb phrase. The study found that the Gokana VP has an abstract SPEC V-bar which serves as a landing site for moved adjuncts from post verbal position to pre verbal position of the Gokana clause. The paper identified the specifier, complement and adjunct as the basic constituents of the verb phrase in Gokana. The paper noted that while complements are obligatory and tightly woven into the structure of the verb with respect to sub-categorization facts of the verb, adjuncts and specifiers are non-obligatory in the canonical structure of the Gokana verb phrase. Thus, the Gokana VP can sometimes occur without specifiers, adjuncts and complements in surface syntax. The study noted that the verb is the head of the Gokana verb phrase. The study identified five subtypes of complements and six subtypes of adjuncts in the Gokana VP. The paper claimed that there is a severe semantic constraint on the linear sequence of adjuncts and recommended a detailed investigation of the order of adjuncts in the Gokana verb phrase.