Understanding the Meaning of V-kakeru Compound Verbs

How Can L2 Learners Use "V1+V2 Strategy" Effectively?

Abstract

Matsuda (2004) claims that when L2 learners try to guess the meanings of new compound verbs, they tend to mix the meanings of V1 and V2. However, this "V1+V2 strategy" does not always work in a straightforward way. To make effective pedagogical suggestions, we need to explain the semantic nature of Japanese compound verbs.

This paper thus deals with the semantics of the Japanese compound verb form V-kakeru, which includes a polysemous verb, kakeru. The form of V-kakeru has several types of usage, like kabe ni e o tatekakeru, which means to lean an object against something; aite ni mizu wo abisekakeru which emphasizes the aspect of covering something; and akachan ni katarikakeru, which denotes action directed toward a receiver.

This paper suggests that all types of the V-kakeru form include the meaning of kakeru, and if L2 learners capture the meaning of kakeru properly, it will make it easier for them to use "V1+V2 strategy" effectively to understand the whole meaning of the V-kakeru form.