Old English Verbs Denoting LocomotionMorphosyntactic Alternations

Resumen

This paper deals with the relationship between the syntax and the semantics of Old Englishverbal classes of motion. Its aim is to determine the extent to which these classes areconsistent in terms of their grammatical behaviour and to identify the morphosyntacticalternations in which they partake. The theoretical basis of the research draws on adescription of the semantics of motion (Goddard 1997), the framework of verb classes andalternations (Levin 1993 and subsequent work) and the typological distinction betweenevent-framed and satellite-framed languages (Talmy 1985). As for the descriptive part,previous research in the verbs of motion of Old English is reviewed, notably on verbs ofgeneral motion, neutral motion and manner of motion. Argument realization is analysed asdescribed in The Dictionary of Old English (2016), concentrating on transitivity, morphologicalcase, prepositional government, and reflexivity. As for meaning components, this studyfocuses on polysemy. The conclusions of this research refer to the main morphosyntacticalternations in which motion verbs participate and the correlation between these alternationsand the verb classes of motion.