Probabilistic variability in clausal verb complementation in World Englishes
The book explores finite and nonfinite clausal verb complementation in World Englishes. It provides an assessment of the influence of language contact, simplicity and transparency, geographical proximity, and evolutionary phase on this alternation. On the one hand, a quantitative analysis of GloWbE data through different statistical tests proves the effects of these factors on the choice between finite that-clauses and nonfinite -ing clauses. A number of intra-linguistic factors are also considered as potential explanatory factors. On the other hand, a detailed, manual, qualitative analysis results in the discovery of a series of new verb complementation structures available in English varieties around the world.
Raquel P. Romasanta holds a PhD in English studies from the University of Vigo. She teaches and researches in the Department of Spanish, Modern and Classical Philology, University of the Balearic Islands. Her research interests include varieties of English, clausal complementation, and probabilistic variation.