The structure and semantic classification of compounds with a verbal component

Abstract

There are numerous ways in which compounds in Tshivenḓa are formed. They may, for example, be formed by combining a noun and a noun with the resultant word also being a noun. In addition, they may be composed of combinations of other word categories, and in such cases the word category to which the compound will belong, may not be a foregone conclusion. This article seeks to establish the structure and semantic classification of compounds which contain a verb or verbal element as one of their components. The applicability of definitions of compounds with a verbal element by scholars such as Lieber (1983, 1992), Ralli (1992), Scalise (1992) and Booij (1992), will be critically considered in relation to compounds in Tshivenḓa.