Passive potential affixation: syntax or lexicon? Cover Image

Passive potential affixation: syntax or lexicon?
Passive potential affixation: syntax or lexicon?

Author(s): Anikó Lipták, István Kenesei
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Syntax, Lexis
Published by: Akadémiai Kiadó
Keywords: -ható/hető; affixation; nonfinite clause; participle;

Summary/Abstract: In this paper we will argue that contrary to the received view passive potential affixation in Hungarian primarily derives complex syntactic objects rather than adjectives. By means of a number of tests we show the differences between the two classes of items bearing the homophonous affix -ható/hető : one a nonfinite verb form, the other a lexicalized adjective. In addition to a syntactic analysis of this composite affix, a typology is provided for languages that have similar constructions.

  • Issue Year: 64/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 45-77
  • Page Count: 33
  • Language: English