2.3.1.1. Order of subject, object and verb

In DGS, the order of subject, object and verb in a main declarative clause is SOV. This includes transitive verbs, which select two arguments [Syntax 2.1.1.1] as in example (a). If the clause contains an intransitive verb, which only takes a single argument [Syntax 2.1.1.2], the order is SV irrespective of whether the verb is unergative as in (b) or unaccusative as in (c).

 

a.       boy3a girl3b 3atease3b

         โ€˜The boy teases the girl.โ€™

 

 

 

 

b.      little girl cry++

         โ€˜The little girl is crying.โ€™

 

 

 

c.       last year poss1 grandmother die

         โ€˜My grandmother died last year.โ€™