SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis discusses the syntax of the sentences, clauses and phrases of the Amavatura, an early Sinhalese prose work. The syntactical features are illustrated under six main titles that constitute the six chapters of the present work. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the Amavatura. A comprehensive account is given here of its author, the subject matter, style and the main lexical features. Chapter 2 makes an investigation of the characteristic features regarding the arrangement of the constituents of the sentences, particularly in comparison with Pali constructions. Chapter 3 deals with the syntax of the finite verb. The verbs are categorized into two main classes to exemplify some morphological features. A brief mention is made of mood and the striking features concerning tense and collocation. The syntactical relation between the noun and the verb is illustrated under the categories transitive, intransitive and causative verb of which the last is explained as a possible derivative of the first two. Chapter 4 deals with non-verbal elements that constitute the predicate. Chapter 5 introduces the syntax of various non-finite verbal forms, touching briefly on their main morphological features. These verbal forms are illustrated under four categories, namely participles, conditionals, absolutives and concurrents. Chapter 6 concerns the syntax of subordinate clauses in relation with the main sentence.