The processing of bilingual (switched) compound verbs: Competition of words from different categories for lexical selection

Abstract This paper investigates the production of Persian–English bilingual compound verbs (BCVs) type [VERB+VERB]. In this code-switched structure, a lexical verb from donor language English is combined with light native Persian. We tested hypothesis that in BCVs occupy nominal slots monolingual Persian complex predicates [NOMINAL+VERB]. Two methodologies were used. A conversational-corpus analysis confirmed our predictions have translation-equivalent verbs, denote same action as constituents those constructions, and support tend to correspond both types verbs. picture-word interference experiment provided evidence suggesting interfere Persian-bilingual speakers. conclude words different word categories can compete for access.