Two Predicative-of-State Constructions in Russian and Serbian

Abstract

The paper deals with Russian and Serbian predicative-of-state lexemes (L_PS) that denote psychological states of persons, focusing on two syntactic constructions controlled by such lexemes (L_PS constructions). An L_PS is an adverb that has adjectival semantics but quite particular syntactic properties: it is invariable and accepts only adverbial intensifiers; it can be used only predicatively—with a copula-like support verb, and a noun in the dative or the accusative, which expresses the Experiencer of the state denoted by the L_PS. As a particular L_PS construction is fully determined by its controlling L_PS, a lexicographic description of L_PS constructions is called for. Such a description—embedded in the lexical entries of L_PSs—is based on Meaning-Text dependency syntax and Explanatory Combinatorial Lexicology. The lexical entries for two Russian and two Serbian L_PSs are presented.