On the Relation between Lexical V-V Compounds and the Compounding Parameter Yasuhito Kido Kobe University, University of Connecticut, JSPS Research Fellow Abstract This paper proposes that one of the parameters required for Japanese V-V compounds (JVVCs) is the Compounding Parameter (TCP) (Snyder 2012, 2016). In support of this proposal we show that Generalized Modification (GM) applies in JVVCs. In addition, we note that the type of JVVCs in which V1 merges into V2 directly (V-V type) bears a morphological resemblance to N-N compounding, in that no linking element is present. This suggests that V-V-type JVVCs are similar to N-N compounding. Moreover, in a spontaneous-production study using CHILDES, Aki, a Japanese-speaking child, first produces V-V-type JVVCs and N-N compounding at age 2;05, and next, he produces JVVCs in which there is a linking marker between V1 and V2 (V-i-V type) and other complex predicates at 2;07, all during a relatively short period. The paper thus gives support from the perspective of a CHILDES-based Japanese language acquisition study to Snyder’s (2012, 2016) hypotheses regarding TCP and GM. 1 Introduction Japanese has a number of complex predicates, like resultative constructions, which behave as a single predicate semantically even though they include more than one predicative element. Japanese V-V compounds (henceforth, JVVCs) are a part of this complex predicate family because they are composed of two eventive predicates, namely, V1 and V2 (Kishimoto and Yumoto 2013: 3–4). The aim of our study is to shed light on the following question: From the perspective of a Principles and Parameters approach (Chomsky 1981), what parameter setting gives rise to the JVVCs to be observed in Japanese? In this paper we provide evidence that one of the parameters is the Compounding Parameter, proposed by Snyder (1995, 2001, 2012, 2016). 2 Previous Research 2.1 Japanese V-V compounds JVVCs, like N-N compounds, are a type of endocentric compound, as indicated in (1). (1) a. matti-bako (match-box) ‘match box’, niku-dango (meat-ball) ‘meat ball’ (N-N compounds)