Abstract

This paper addresses the function and the distribution of a form of the dative pronominal clitic in some Calabrian dialects in the area of Cosenza. Specifically, we analyse the constructions including this form in combination with: 1) variable behaviour verbs, 2) inherently atelic verbs, 3) inherently telic verbs. It is shown that the dative clitic represents a strategy to systematically encode interface semantics and, in particular, properties of the verb phrase, such as telicity, and inherent and relational properties of the verbal arguments, such as individuation, affectedness and possession.