The Scope and Limitations of Dependent Coordinate Sentences from Old Turkish to Modern Turkish

Abstract

Syntax is a branch of grammar that examines how words combine within a sentence according to specific rules, organizes sentence structure and meaning, and analyzes the relationships between the parts of sentences and phrases. A variety of perspectives has been put forward in terms of definition, scope and classification of sentences on the syntax of Turkish. Among those perspectives, it is striking that coordinate sentences are defined and classified based on separate criteria. In studies that examine coordinate sentences under two main subcategories named as dependent and juxtaposed sentences, it is stated that dependent coordinate sentences are generally formed with units such as common predicate, subject, object, indirect object, adverbial clauses. This article first address the changing definitions and designations of coordinate sentences that are mentioned in grammar books -mostly based on traditional approaches- on the syntax of Turkish historical periods and Turkish of Türkiye. Then, structures described as “predicate-sharing dependent coordinate sentences” will be examined through historical Turkish texts and recent thesis studies in the field of syntax. It will be discussed whether these structures should be classified as dependent coordinate sentences or not. Furthermore, various different perspectives and suggestions will be presented regarding which headings would be more appropriate for evaluating these sentence types in terms of structural, functional, and semantic criteria. This research aims to determine the scope and limitations of dependent coordinate sentences and to contribute to the researches made on Turkish syntax.