“Space coding in verb-particle constructions and prefixed verbs”

The aim of this paper is to analyze the space coding in verb-particle constructions (VPCs) and prefixed verbs (PVs). VPCs are understood here as verbs co-occurring with a particle (P), i.e. an adverb or a preposition. PVs are linked to VPCs by a grammaticalization process with certain stages. During this process, incorporation and telicization are involved; this means that the shift of P from an autonomous to a bound form involves a semantic change, according to the Adverb-to-TAM chain. In particular, the locative P can mark an endpoint, and even acquire a mere aspectual value, especially a telic one. Therefore, the semantic shift from the coding of the space to the coding of the aspect is twofold, implying both a more concrete and a purely abstract value. When this process is complete, a new verbal system can develop, where P is a prefix conveying some precise aspectual features. Illustrations are made mostly using Italian, Ancient Greek and Latin examples.