Qianzi Tian and Jackson T.-S. Sun

Abstract

This paper analyzes the structures and typology of verbal complementation in the Dgebshes variety of Central Horpa (Sino-Tibetan). Dgebshes employs multiple types of complement clauses and complementation strategies to relate a primary state of affairs with a secondary state of affairs. Selection of complementation structures is determined to a large extent by the degree of semantic integration between the predicates of the two associated states of affairs. The tighter the semantic integration, the more likely the occurrence of deranked complement clauses and monoclausal complement strategies. Comparative evidence suggests that the two salient traits of Dgebshes complementation, increased formal diversity and decreased structural embedding, may both be correlated with prolonged contact with Tibetan.