Humanities and Arts
Referential effects on verb agreement: Finnish numeral-noun constructions
Abstract
Key Questions about Referential Effects on Verb Agreement in Finnish NNCs
The article "Referential Effects on Verb Agreement: Finnish Numeral-Noun Constructions" by Elsi Kaiser examines the subject-verb agreement patterns in Finnish numeral-noun constructions (NNCs), such as "three birds." These constructions can occur with either singular or plural verbs, a phenomenon not predicted by current theories. Kaiser proposes that the verb number marking in these constructions depends on the referential properties of the NNC. Specifically, NNCs with singular verbs do not involve agreement but rather a default verb form used in existential contexts. In contrast, NNCs with plural verbs represent true semantic agreement. This analysis suggests that the lack of subject-verb agreement in existentially interpreted NNCs is due to the underlying syntactic position of existentially construed subjects in Finnish, which do not trigger verb agreement. The study highlights the variability of subject-verb agreement in Finnish NNCs, depending on existential versus definite construals, and challenges attempts to unify agreement mechanisms across verbal and nominal domains.
What are Finnish numeral-noun constructions (NNCs), and how do they function in subject position?
Finnish numeral-noun constructions consist of a numeral followed by a noun, such as "kolme lintua" ("three birds"). When these constructions occupy the subject position in a sentence, they can be paired with either singular or plural verbs, a pattern that varies based on the referential properties of the NNC.
How does the referential property of an NNC influence verb agreement in Finnish?
The verb agreement in Finnish NNCs is influenced by whether the NNC is construed existentially or definitively. NNCs with singular verbs are interpreted existentially and do not involve agreement, using a default verb form. Conversely, NNCs with plural verbs are interpreted definitively and exhibit true semantic agreement.
What implications does Kaiser's analysis have for understanding subject-verb agreement mechanisms?
Kaiser's analysis suggests that subject-verb agreement in Finnish NNCs is variable and context-dependent, challenging the notion of a unified agreement mechanism across verbal and nominal domains. This variability underscores the importance of considering the referential context when analyzing agreement patterns in language.
By addressing these questions, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the semantics of numeral-noun constructions and the role of referential properties in subject-verb agreement within Finnish.
