Beyond sentence grammar: Persian directives in interaction

Abstract

This paper examines Persian directives through the lens of interactive grammar, aiming to categorize and explore their various types. While the existing model provides valuable analytical tools, it falls short in explaining the plethora of directive data examined in this study. As an initial stride towards broadening the cross-linguistic applicability of interactive grammar, particularly in the realm of directive categorization, this study proposes a more elaborate classification. The Persian directives are categorized into two main groups: primary and secondary, with the latter further subdivided into imperative-derived, adverb-derived, vocative-derived, and nominal directives. Additionally, a fresh perspective is cast on the Persian double-verb imperative, transcending the traditional view of serial verb constructions and elucidating its unique features and functions. The taxonomy of Persian directives posited in this study not only enhances the granularity of the overarching model but also paves the way for its expanded cross-linguistic utility. This detailed classification opens avenues for corpus-based studies to glean deeper insights and aids in the development of more explicit annotation schemes, empowering researchers with some clear-cut categories of directives.