VP Shells and Argument Structure in Lubukusu

Abstract

This study discusses Lubukusu predicates within the provisions of one of the recent phases of Generative Grammar Theory; the Minimalist Program 1995. Its aim is to investigate and give a detailed description of how Lubukusu predicates fit into the VP shell structure proposed by Chomsky (1995). The main issue is that Lubukusu arguments are morphologically initiated hence occur numerously as verbal affixes in a single verb (phrase). Mathematically, this is supposed to contrast with the limited number of argument positions in the VP shell structure. Chomsky assumes that the standard derivation of a VP shell structure is that which involves adjoining a lexical verb to an abstract light verb in order to form a complex verb (see Hornstein et al 2005, p.104). The current study claims that applying the Chomskyan VP shell derivation to Lubukusu predicates results in several problems; among others, an incorrect morpheme order and violation of the Lexical Insertion Principle. It emerged at the onset of data analysis that an alternative for the light verb in Lubukusu is any of the numerous verbal features. The study also found out that every verbal feature in Lubukusu (e.g causative, applicative etc) represents an argument of its own hence requiring a separate head position in the structure; a situation not catered for by the light verb in the standard VP shell structure. Therefore, the study suggests a seemingly suitable VP shell variant for the derivation of Lubukusu predicates; where, instead of the phonetically null light verb, a verbal feature is used. For this reason, the alternative structure is developed based on the feature checking process as opposed to the former adjunction process in the light verb analysis.