Progressive Aspect in Sourani Kurdish: A Minimalist Approach

Abstract

The present study aims to figure out Kurdish imperfective aspect in the framework of minimalist program. We try to determine not only the identity of the chain “χæri:k bu:n”, as a mechanism to make imperfective aspect in Kurdish, but also the way it combines with matrix verbs. Trying to find the identity of this chain, the findings reveal that “χæri:k” belongs to adjectives, although it is not able to modify nouns like attributive adjectives. Following Baker (2003), we prove that lack of phi-features is recognized as the main reason for this unique behavior. Moreover, unlike Dabirmoghadam (2013) who considers “χæri:k bu:n” as an auxiliary, we prove that this chain, made of the adjective “χæri:k” and the axillary “bu:n”, is a conjunct verb. Like Punjabi (Gill and Gleason, 1969), this verb is used to express imperfective Aspect in Kurdish. To find the way it combines with matrix verbs, we show that this verb joins the matrix verb in the structure of serial verbs. Following Muysken and Veenstra (2006), we reveal that “χæri:k bu:n” is inside a minor Aspect Phrase (Asp P) which joins the main (Asp P) as an adjunct, repeating the level.

Keywords

• grammatical aspect
• imperfective aspect
• progressive aspect
• sourani kurdish
• minimalist program
• serial verbs