Languages with serial verb constructions tend to have VO ordering with verb serialization and one object per verb (but some permit two objects); they tend to be isolating, with little inflectional morphology. Syllable structure is typically simple, and many have lexical and/or grammatical tone distinctions.
Standardized
IF there are serial verb constructions, THEN there will be VO ordering with verb serialization, one object per verb, isolating morphology, simple syllable structure, and lexical/or grammatical tone distinctions.
Keywords
serial verb, order, isolating, syllable, tone
Domain
prosodic phonology, morphology, syntax
Type
implication
Status
achronic
Quality
statistical
Basis
West African languages, Mandarin Chinese and languages of Southeast Asia and the Pacific mentioned in Lord 1993
