Bilingual code-switching: Persian compound verbs

Abstract

Code-switching is one of the most interesting topics in bilingualism. Since the structure of bilingual compound verbs is a type of code-switching, this study is aimed to investigate the production of compound verbs in bilingual speakers’ speech that are switched/inserted from their L2 into their L1. Furthermore, it investigates whether any grammatical category information is available during bilingual language processing. The aim is to examine what processes are involved in the production of Persian-Dutch bilingual compound verbs (BCVs). Compound verbs mainly consist of a nonverbal element which can be a noun, an adjective, a past participle, an adverb, or a preposition, and a verbal element. A bilingual compound verb is formed when the nominal constituent of a compound verb is replaced by a constituent from the other language.