Serial Verb Constructions in Ilokano

This article aims to describe the configuration of serial verb constructions in Ilokano. A serial verb construction (SVC) is formed by a sequence of verbs acting as a single predicate without any overt marker of grammatical dependency, coordination, or subordination (Aikhenvald 2006). Previous grammatical descriptions of Ilokano provided limited insight on this linguistic phenomenon. Using spoken and written data, this study features the properties of serial verb constructions in Ilokano based on cross-linguistic descriptions and properties of SVC including (i) composition, (ii) linking morpheme, (iii) argument sharing, (iv) status of transitivity, aspect, modality, and (v) negation status of verbal components. The last three criteria are used to discuss the monoclausality of Ilokano serial verb constructions. The functions of serial verb constructions in a clause are also discussed considering contemporary studies on clause combining strategies.