Abstract:
This study examines the Predicate Argument Structure (PAS) of the verbs of existence with special reference to transitive and intransitive verbs in Tshivenda. Chapter One is the introduction of this study. It states the purpose of study, theoretical framework, organisation of study as well as the predicate argument structure of the verbs of existence. The lexical - semantic representation (i.e. theta-roles) are also defined. A review of Chomsky's Government and Binding theory is given. The study also examines the different types of verbs of existence. Chapter Two of this study examines the arguments of verbs of existence. The external NP argument in subject position will be considered with the features [+animate] i.e. (humans and animal) or [-animate]. The interpretation of the example sentence of the arguments will also be given. Chapter Three examines the compatibility between verbs of existence and several syntactic operations. These possible operations include the locative inversion, locative alternation, location subject alternation, location instrument alternation, the benefactive and the locative. Chapter Four is the conclusion where the summary of the main contents of the previous chapters is given.
