Cross-serial dependencies

Cross-serial dependencies refer to a specific type of grammatical structure found in some languages, where multiple crossing dependencies occur between elements in a sentence, typically involving subjects, verbs, and objects. This structure is particularly notable because it challenges the linear arrangement of elements, creating a situation where elements can transgress traditional hierarchical relationships. A classic example of cross-serial dependencies can be found in Swiss German involving sentences where multiple verbs govern their respective subjects or objects that are interleaved.